Los Negrales, Spain. From April 22 to July 10, 2025, the very first French-language edition of the Forge, named Forge1/25, was held in Los Negrales, a suburb of Madrid. Thirteen Claretian missionaries from three Major Organisms in French-speaking Africa — Congo, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire–Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea–Gabon — participated in this intensive program of ongoing formation and spiritual renewal, accompanied by three formators.
This initiative, launched by the General Government, was a timely response to the urgent need for spiritual depth and renewed missionary zeal in an ever-changing world. It offered participants the opportunity to reaffirm their vocation, deepen their Claretian identity, and rekindle their apostolic commitment.
The program was structured around four core phases: Qui prodest? explored the biblical and spiritual foundations of Claret’s missionary journey; Patris Mei deepened the understanding of God as Father through the lens of Jesus and Claret’s experience; Caritas Christi emphasized the transforming power of Christ’s love as the heart of all mission; and Spiritus Domini immersed participants in the experience of the Holy Spirit that empowered Christ’s mission, as lived by Claret. These were complemented by a rich rhythm of liturgical prayer, Eucharist, Lectio Divina, meditation, spiritual retreats, pilgrimages, journaling, and physical activities for personal care.
Participants expressed deep appreciation for the dedication and quality of the formators, especially Rev. Fr. Carlos Sánchez, CMF, Prefect General of Spirituality and Community Life, and Fr. Adolfo Lamata Muyo, CMF, Provincial of Santiago, as well as all who contributed to the success of this milestone initiative.
As the session concluded, participants encouraged Major Organisms and French-speaking missions to continue investing in such formation programs. As nothing should stop a Claretian missionary, this Forge is just the beginning of a renewed journey in service of the Gospel.
