Guatemala City, Guatemala. From July 14 to 21, 2025, the Claretian Missionaries of Central America celebrated their XV Provincial Chapter at the Claret Retreat House in Guatemala, under the theme “Walking Together in Mission for Our Beloved Central America.” The gathering brought together missionaries from across the Province in a spirit of fraternity, discernment, and hope, with the goal of reviewing the journey thus far and boldly projecting the mission forward with renewed evangelical zeal.
The official opening was presided over by Fr. Pedro Belderrain, CMF, delegate of the General Government, who conveyed a message from the Superior General, encouraging participants to live the Chapter as an experience of grace. Representatives from all mission fronts, students, laypeople, consultants, and invited brothers took part, reflecting strong congregational communion.
During the initial days, reports from the 2019–2025 sexennium were presented, reviewing progress, challenges, and future horizons in key areas such as apostolate, formation, economy, vocational ministry, JPIC, and communications. A special day of spiritual retreat, inspired by Habakkuk 2:13 and the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, helped participants discern the Province’s path forward through prayer.
A highlight of the Chapter was the election of the new Provincial Government. On July 18, Fr. Mauricio Borge, CMF, originally from Costa Rica, was elected Provincial Superior. He will be accompanied by Frs. Javier Hernández (Prefect of Apostolate), Jeremías Lemus (Prefect of Formation and Spirituality), and Freddy Ramírez (Prefect of Economy).
The Chapter also embodied pastoral closeness and synodality. The Sunday Eucharist at St. Anthony Mary Claret Parish and a solidarity visit to the community of Santa María de Jesús—recently affected by an earthquake—expressed the desire to incarnate the Gospel in the wounds of the people. The active involvement of the laity also stood out, with their contributions strongly influencing the Chapter’s decisions.
On the final day, programmatic documents were approved to guide the missionary action over the next six years, including the new Central America Action Plan (PACA) and the Pastoral Projection Document. The closing Eucharist was a celebration of thanksgiving, mission, and commitment.
With the fire of the Spirit and hearts enkindled by Mary, the Claretian Missionaries of Central America continue walking together, with Christ at the center, toward a missionary, compassionate, and incarnated Province.
Source: Freddy Ramírez, CMF, Province of Central America.
