Rome, Italy. From May 25 to 31, 2026, Claretian Missionaries representing each Conference of the Congregation gathered in Rome with Brother Carlos Verga, CMF, to prepare an international formation course for those responsible for and involved in Youth and Vocational Ministry throughout the Congregation.
The initiative seeks to promote the reception, assimilation, and implementation of the new Vocational Directory in every Major Organism of the Congregation. The participants were Moïse Moumassou, CMF, of the Cameroon Delegation, and Maximilian Maxwell, CMF, of the St. Charles Lwanga Delegation, representing ACLA; Martin Ele, CMF, of the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province, and Doddy Sasi, CMF, of the Ave Maria Province, representing ASCLA EAST; Jaipaul Thumma, CMF, of the Bangalore Province, and Arnest Kharmawlong, CMF, of the Northeast India Province, representing ASCLA WEST; Benjito Barreto, CMF, of the Sanctus Paulus Province, and Ankit Chaudhary, CMF, of the Germany Province, representing ECLA; and Edgar Salgado Tapia, CMF, of the Mexico Province, and Agustín Carrillo, CMF, of the USA–Canada Province, representing MICLA.
At the beginning of the meeting, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, Superior General, reminded the participants of the importance the Congregation places on accompanying young people, helping them discern their vocation, and supporting their formation. He encouraged them to remain open, to listen attentively, and to accompany others while allowing themselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Throughout the week, the participants experienced intensive days of prayer, study, reflection, and collaborative work. Using a synodal methodology based on mutual listening, they deepened their understanding of the Vocational Directory and shared the diverse cultural, pastoral, and vocational realities of their Conferences.
The meeting was also marked by a profound experience of fraternity. The participants took part in the General Audience with Pope Leo XIV, held a few days after the publication of Magnifica Humanitas, his first encyclical, and shared their missionary experiences, challenges, and hopes as members of one charismatic family called to proclaim the Gospel in complex and rapidly changing contexts.
As a fruit of these days of work, an eight-week international course gradually took shape. The course will offer a comprehensive presentation of the Vocational Directory and help participants discern concrete paths for its implementation in youth and vocational ministry. This initiative aims to strengthen the vocational culture of the Congregation and to share, with creativity and missionary boldness, the treasure of the Claretian vocation.
