Ancona, Italy. As part of their tradition, the General Government took a few days ahead of their intensive sessions to pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful spiritual conversations about key themes affecting their mission of animation to the Congregation.
From October 1 to 3, 2025, they gathered at the historic Monastero San Silvestro Abate in Fabriano, Italy—a serene 13th-century monastery that provided the perfect setting for contemplation and fraternal dialogue. During their stay, and as part of their ongoing formation, the General Council likewise pondered on the Claretian Constitutions. Specifically, their reflection centered on exploring whether sufficient grounds exist to warrant the future possibility of reviewing and actualizing of the charter. And if so, generate not only criteria but also a common framework of discernment and methodology in keeping with the authorization given by the XXVI General Chapter “to initiate a process of reviewing and updating the Constitutions, the results of which would be presented to the next General Chapter for study and decision” (Minutes 19). This is also reflected in the General Government’s commitment in its Action Plan, Commitment 3.7: “to carry out the decision of the XXVI General Chapter to thoroughly study the updating of our Constitutions.”
Furthermore, they also enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Silvestrini monks, joining in their liturgical celebration and sharing moments of fraternity. A guided tour led by one of the monks introduced them to the monastery’s most significant sites and its impressive monastic library—a true treasure trove of monastic history and spirituality.
