UNITED IN THE CHARISMATIC DIVERSITY OF THE CHURCH

On 21 and 22 May 2026, at the close of Easter and on the eve of Pentecost, the Meeting of Leaders and Moderators of International Associations of the Lay Faithful, Movements and New Communities was held. This event is organised annually by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, and brings together representatives from the 115 ecclesial associations of the laity recognised by the Holy See. As every year, our Movement of Lay Claretians also took part in this ecclesial gathering, on this occasion represented by Miguel Ángel Sosa (Secretary General) and Bruno La Hoz (Secretary for Formation).

Under the motto “Serve, accompany, guide”, the meeting focused on the foundations and practices of governance within the associations. As the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, His Eminence Cardinal Kevin Farrell, explained in his presentation (which you can read in full here), those entrusted with this service need not be “exceptional” people, but rather faithful stewards who are concerned with these five fundamental tasks:

To guide and represent the Movement;
Ensuring the achievement of its apostolic aims and goals;
Fostering the growth and development of the Movement;
Faithfully safeguarding the charism; and
Ensuring the spiritual and human care of those who form part of the Movement.

The various presentations explored the theological and canonical foundations of the governance of movements, as well as some of the best practices that should be applied in the governance of movements and associations, placing particular emphasis on transparency, collegiality, accountability and ecclesial communion with the bishops of each diocese.

But amongst the many positive aspects discussed and worked on, it is worth highlighting the phenomenal atmosphere of fraternity and communion experienced throughout the days of the meeting. Everyone’s desire to build ecclesial unity from the diversity of charisms was palpable. The moment of praying the Rosary together, on a pilgrimage to the grotto of the Virgin Mary in the Vatican Gardens, was perhaps the image that best captured that spirit of growing fellowship which these meetings are fostering. These gatherings are enabling us to share concerns, initiatives and experiences… and to truly appreciate the evangelising work carried out by each ecclesial group.

This greater mutual understanding and interconnection between the various Movements and Associations allows us to truly experience the synodal journey of the Church—the People of God. And the presence and accompaniment of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV reinforced that spirit of unity centred on Christ. The words he addressed to us in his speech should serve as an encouragement to renew our missionary vocation:

Dear friends, on the one hand, your associations and movements have different origins and possess well-defined histories, identities and ideals.(…) On the one hand, they are called to safeguard and promote the memory of a living heritage; on the other, they have a “prophetic” role, which involves listening to current pastoral needs in order to understand how to respond to the new challenges and to the cultural, social and spiritual sensibilities of our time. Indeed, only in this way can one be a Christian, a disciple and a missionary in today’s society and Church. (…) Membership, in fact, is authentic and fruitful when it is not limited to participation in activities within the group, but interprets the signs of the times and reaches outwards, addressing everyone, the culture of the times and mission areas that have not yet been explored.

(…) Dear friends, thank you for all that you are and all that you do. Associations of the faithful and ecclesial movements are an inestimable gift to the Church. There is great richness amongst you: so many well-formed people and so many fine evangelizers (…). The variety of charisms, gifts and methods of apostolate developed over the years allows you to be present in the fields of culture, art, social life and work, bringing the light of the Gospel everywhere. Cherish and, with God’s grace, nurture all these gifts! The Church supports and accompanies you.