Los Negrales, Spain. Sixteen Claretian Missionaries from thirteen major organisms concluded the 2025 Heart of Mary School for Formators on July 31, following a two-month intensive formation program held in Spain. Designed as both an intellectual journey and spiritual pilgrimage, the program renewed the participants’ understanding of formation ministry in today’s context.
Beginning online in March and continuing onsite from June 1, the curriculum addressed key topics such as interculturality, Claretian history, affective maturity, leadership, and accompaniment. The intercultural community of formators served as a “living laboratory,” embodying lessons in real-time.
Pilgrimages to foundational Claretian sites—including Vic, Sallent, Barbastro, and Fontfroide—deepened the participants’ connection to the life and legacy of St. Anthony Mary Claret. A central theme throughout was the rediscovery of the General Plan of Formation and the humility required for ongoing learning.
At the closing ceremony, Fr. Joseph Mbungu, CMF, General Prefect of Formation, reminded the group that their mission now continues: to form future missionaries with prayer, humility, and hope.
Source: Joseph Mbungu, CMF, General Prefect of Formation.
