Bioko, Equatorial Guinea. The anniversary of the canonization of Father Founder St. Antony Mary Claret was celebrated in the Padre Xifré Delegation as the day of the Claretian Family on 7 May 2023.  This year, the celebration occurred in Bioko Island, the Continental Region (Equatorial Guinea), and Libreville (Gabon). 

The event brought together members from various branches of the Claretian Family, such as Claretian Laypeople, Missionaries of the Immaculate Mary (MMI), and Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

In Gabon the celebration gathered the Missionaries of St. Anthony Mary Claret and representatives from the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary communities in the country. During the event, participants strengthened the Claretian fraternity and proposed suggestions and recommendations for the future.

Highlighted proposals included scheduling frequent meetings among Claretian Family members in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, unifying criteria to develop an educational project aligned with the Claretian charisma, conducting regular visits to different communities, and seeking joint projects in the areas of Solidarity and Mission. Additionally, the need to promote Lay Claretian people and integrate them more into the activities of Missionaries. 

Source: Fr. Felix Oba Eworo Bilogo, CMF, Major Superior, Padre Xifré Delegation