During the month of October, the Caribbean Region of the Claretian Laity experienced two meetings that reaffirmed community life, charismatic identity, and the shared mission that animates the communities of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Haiti, the latter being part of the region although it does not yet have established communities.
In every space, the spirit of the guiding theme was strongly felt: “Pilgrims of Hope in the footsteps of Claret”.
The first of these gatherings took place on October 11th in the Dominican Republic, with the participation of the Eloi, Fr. Félix Herrero, Ángeles del Señor, Nazaret Testimonium, Génesis, Petrus, and Carisma communities. It was a day filled with joy, closeness, and a strong sense of Claretian family, where participants deepened their vocation to be pilgrims of hope amidst the Dominican and Caribbean reality.
The second meeting was held on October 18 in Puerto Rico, bringing together the San José, Kaleo, Jessed, and El Telar communities. The atmosphere was characterized by fraternal sharing, formation, prayer, and a desire to strengthen community and missionary service on the island.
During both meetings, the Lay People of the Region kept their brothers and sisters in Cuba very much in mind. Due to visa restrictions, they are unable to participate in person in activities outside the island. This is compounded by the daily limitations they face with electricity and internet access. Nevertheless, their faithfulness, perseverance, and profound sense of communion ensure their constant spiritual presence, inspiring the entire Caribbean Region.
A significant moment of the gatherings was the communal biblical reflection, centered on several texts from the Letter to the Romans. Through group work, participants explored how community life should be lived in light of the Word (Romans 12:9-13, Romans 14:19, and Romans 15:5-7), sharing experiences, challenges, and commitments that strengthen communion and service in their local communities.
Fathers José Miguel, CMF and Kelvin Adames, CMF, offered the main reflection, inviting everyone to look at the mission from the perspective of the theme, helping to understand that every lay claretian is called today to be a pilgrim of hope, following the example and apostolic zeal of Saint Anthony Mary Claret.
The gatherings also offered opportunities for fraternal sharing, especially during lunch, as well as moments of adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament, where participants experienced the closeness and comfort of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, renewing their missionary zeal.
As a training tool, a comparative chart was shared that links three essential dimensions of lay identity: the values of the Letter to the Romans, the Claretian spirit, and the concrete experience of lay people today. This guide helped us conclude the plenary session and will be used as a valuable resource for Caribbean communities as training material.
Inés Rivera Pérez
Caribbean Region
