On December 4, the Executive Committee of the Interprovincial Conference of Latin America (CIAL) held its fourth meeting corresponding to the triennium 2024-2026. Alberto Toutin sscc, Superior General of the Congregation, as well as all the members of the Executive Committee, including the coordinators of initial and ongoing formation took part in the meeting.
In his opening reflection, Fr. Alberto Toutin underlined the relevance of interprovincial conferences as a key space for strengthening the mission and regional collaboration. He stressed the importance of supporting small communities in order to integrate them more effectively and mentioned the possibility of restructuring CIAL to respond to new realities. In the economic sphere, he pointed out the need to promote common investments in order to finance shared projects and missions in vulnerable areas. With regard to initial formation, he emphasized the proposal to establish common stages to optimize resources and improve the quality of formation. He also valued the role of the laity in the region and urged the prioritization of the mission with young people suggesting the organising of an interprovincial youth synod.
Fr. Alex Vigueras sscc, coordinator of ongoing formation, presented initiatives aimed at strengthening ongoing formation in the region. Among the proposals of the commission was the creation of international communities organised in generations: over 60, middle aged and young people; these communities would meet four times a year, strengthening identity and joint mission. A mission seminar and an enclave-style meeting scheduled for 2026 were also proposed.
Juan Manuel Torres sscc, Coordinator of Initial Formation, presented the report of his visit to the Interprovincial Novitiate in Argentina (NIAL). In the report he highlighted the fraternal atmosphere, the solidity of the community structure and the spiritual accompaniment as the main strengths of the NIAL. Víctor Gualán, from the Andina Province, will become a member of the novitiate community from January 2025.
Fr Hilvar Loyaga sscc, coordinator of CIAL, emphasised the need to draw up a sustainable budget for the next three years, in line with the formation and missionary priorities of the region. In his concluding remarks, he stressed the importance of strengthening interdependence between provinces and consolidating the mission in Latin America.
12/10/2024