The Encounter of the General Government with the Major Superiors of the Claretian Congregation, held from 2–9 March 2026 at the Serene Pasture Spirituality Center, Bolawalana (Negombo), brought together leaders of the Congregation for prayer, reflection, and synodal discernment in preparation for the forthcoming XXVII General Chapter.
The gathering formally began on 2 March. At the opening session, most participants attended, while some were unable to attend due to travel disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East; some joined online.
The first day unfolded in a spirit of fraternity and cultural richness. Participants were welcomed with traditional music and dance, followed by a welcome ceremony. The solemn enthronement of the Word of God, accompanied by readings and prayers under the theme “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36), set a prayerful tone for the Encounter, with special prayers offered for peace in the world.
In his welcome address, Fr. Joseph Jeyaseelan, CMF, Major Superior of the hosting Organism St. Joseph Vaz Independent Delegation (Sri Lanka & South Sudan), expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the Encounter in Sri Lanka. Fr. Henry Babatunde Omonisaye, CMF, then presented the objectives and schedule, noting that the meeting was part of synodal preparation for the XXVII General Chapter and a journey of congregational discernment.
Addressing the assembly, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, Superior General, described the Encounter as a grace-filled moment in the midst of profound global and ecclesial transitions. He emphasized that leadership in the Congregation is fundamentally a spiritual responsibility entrusted with safeguarding the charism and shaping the missionary future. Referring to the Church’s synodal journey, he called for deep listening, co-responsibility, and unity in diversity.
The Superior General also highlighted several priorities for the Congregation: strengthening fraternal and intercultural community life, fostering discernment and accompaniment, deepening missionary spirituality rooted in prayer, remaining close to the peripheries, and promoting transparency and shared responsibility. He encouraged the participants to see fragility as an evangelical opportunity and urged attentive listening to the Spirit so that the upcoming General Chapter may become a true Pentecost moment.
Throughout the week, the Encounter followed a rhythm of prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, conferences, group discussions, and moments of fraternal sharing. The early sessions focused on the “Discover” phase, during which participants evaluated the impact of the 2021 General Chapter and reflected on the current challenges and the Spirit’s calls for the Claretian mission.
Among the positive developments noted were the growing use of synodal methodology, as well as renewed emphasis on youth ministry, biblical animation, and digital evangelization. At the same time, participants acknowledged several challenges, including individualism, fragile missionary identity, and the need to deepen prayer life and communal discernment.
The Encounter also included a retreat on vocation and mission, inspired by Isaiah 41:8–20, inviting participants to reflect on the missionary call that springs from God’s initiative. The retreat emphasized that authentic missionary renewal begins with personal and communal conversion rooted in the Word of God and renewed commitment to the peripheries and wounded realities of today’s world.
In subsequent sessions, participants engaged in group discussions and plenary dialogue to determine the direction and methodology for preparing the XXVII General Chapter. Key themes that emerged included strengthening missionary commitment, attentive reading of the signs of the times, and cultivating prophetic listening within the Congregation.
On the final day, the assembly identified special themes for the Chapter, reviewed the calendar for its preparation, and evaluated the Encounter. In their concluding message, the Superior General encouraged the entire Congregation to continue this journey of discernment with confidence and openness to the Spirit, affirming that “synodality and mission” must guide the path toward the next General Chapter.
The Encounter concluded in a spirit of gratitude and hope, entrusting the preparation for the XXVII General Chapter to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to the maternal care of the Heart of Mary, with the words that framed the entire meeting: “Peace be with you” (Lk 24:36).
