Alfonso, Philippines. On December 3, 2025, marking the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Patron of Missionaries, a significant encounter began between the General Government and the Governments of the Asian Organisms. The gathering, held at the St. Paul Spirituality Centre in Cavite, is scheduled to run through December 12, 2025.
The ten-day encounter commenced with a solemn morning prayer and the enthronement of the Word of God. In a touching tribute to the local context, the ceremony incorporated symbols of rice and a multi-coloured scarf, representing the vibrant diversity and uniqueness of the Asian continent.
Opening Remarks and Welcome Fr. Henry Omonisaye, CMF, Vicar General of the congregation, provided the opening remarks to set the tone for the days ahead. The assembly was then warmly welcomed by Fr. Amador Tumbaga, CMF, Provincial Superior of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province, who is hosting the event in the Philippines.
Keynote Address: The Missionary Spirit in Asia
The highlight of the opening day was the keynote address delivered by Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, Superior General of the congregation. Drawing inspiration from the missionary spirit of St. Anthony Mary Claret, Fr. Mathew addressed the specific realities facing the region.
His address highlighted four critical areas for reflection:
- The Future: Recognizing Asia as a continent where the future of the world and the Church is being shaped.
- The Challenges: Acknowledging the struggles and difficulties inherent in the diverse contexts of the continent.
- The Vocation: Examining the role of the Church in Asia and the specific Claretian vocation within it.
- The Mission: Identifying clear priorities for the Claretian mission in Asia.
Listening and Discernment
Following the keynote, the remainder of the first day was dedicated to presentations from each Major Organism. These sessions provided a space for sharing insights into the life, mission, blessings, and challenges specific to their regions.
The primary purpose of this encounter is to foster deep listening—to God, to one another, and to the complex realities of the Asian context. Over the coming days, the assembly seeks to discern the Spirit’s movements and identify pathways to strengthen communion among the ASCLA (Asia-Claretian) Organisms.
Ultimately, the goal of this meeting is to find concrete ways to embody the Claretian Dream in Asian soil.
