12th Betica Regional Assembly

The 12th Betica Regional Assembly of the Lay Claretian Movement was held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) from 24th to 26th February.
Around 140 people (83 full lay Claretians, 19 discerning lay Claretians, 7 religious advisers, 10 guests and 21 children) got together on one of the so called ‘fortunate islands’ for one of the largest Assemblies we have ever have in our Region. We feel full of joy, fortunate and blessed because we are living a moment of grace and growth, and we know it is a gift from God.
We had moments to share our experiences and learn from one another. We listened to different testimonies: from lay Claretians who guide and advise discerning communities (groups); the value of the family and the integration of children in our life of faith; personal experiences of those who completed the Forge process; practical cases of how to schedule meetings for a community along a year; testimonies from some people who attended the General Assembly in Brazil; wonderful personal testimonies given by our elder brothers and sisters who have remained faithful to their lay Claretian vocation and commitment.
We had moments to enjoy and feel Claret alive and on mission, when visiting some of the beloved places he used to go on a pilgrimage and where he left his mark. We had the chance to recall what he did and said there.
We also had time to revise the Communities’ and the Council’s reports and to decide on future lines of action.
We had time to celebrate too, when receiving a new Community (Getsemaní, in Málaga) who was admitted to the Movement after their discernment period. During the beautiful welcome Eucharist, we were reminded that “being a lay Claretian is after all a vocation, an answer to God’s call”.

There was an intense moment of prayer to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us during the Elections. The new elected Council, whom we thank for their availability and generosity, is as follows:

• Coordinator: Laura Rodríguez
• Training: Paco Durán
• Economy: Mayte Albandea
• Communications: Vito Flores
• Religious Adviser: F. Juan Carlos Monroy, cmf

We all shared the feeling of being brothers and sisters in God. We also felt very close so many Communities and people from all the Regions in the world who sent us their greetings and prayers.THANK YOU
We all felt the need to thank God so much for everything He grants us, for what we are, for what we are living.
Filled with peace and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, we return home remembering that we need to give our testimony in order for “God to be known, loved, served and worshiped by everyone”.