The superiors of the Conference of Europe and Africa (CEA) met in Polanica (Poland) May 11 through13: Piotr Budrewicz (Polond), Heinz Josef Catrein (Germany), Jan Munsters (Holland), Gilbert De Decker (Flanders), Christian Malrieu (outgoing provincial of France), Christian Flottes (provincial-elect of France), Michael Ruddy (Ireland/England), Jean Bosco Elumba (Africa), Aurelio Cayón (Ibérica), Enrique Losada (who was finishing as coordinator of CEA and led the meeting), Javier Álvarez-Ossorio (Superior General).
On May 10th the memorial of St Damien the group of superiors joined by the group of Economes who had their meeting on the previous days, made an excursion to Cracow where they visited the shrines if divine mercy and St. John Paul II.
The meeting began on the 11th in a session with the Economes where they dealt with the following themes: the deficit of the province of Africa; the need to get outside resources to help in the mission of the Congregation and other points presented by the Economes.
The remainder of the meeting was dedicated to the following themes: the presentation of the situation of each provincial community or delegation actions undertaken for the centennial of the pontifical approbation of the constitutions, ideas about reinforcing particular place where the Congregation is in Europe and Africa and the spiritual accompaniment of those who are old and infirm. For his part, the superior general informed the group on the global situation of the Congregation, unfolded in detail the process of preparation for the General chapter of 2018 for which he asked the collaboration of all.
There was also talk about Initial formation and it was decided that next year for the final week of February those in initial formation will participate in a meeting which the brothers and sisters will organize. In Europe today there are actually brothers in formation in the Provinces of Ibérica, France and Poland.
Michael Ruddy was elected the new coordinator of CEA for the next two years. Christian Flottes was elected vicar co- coordinator.
The next meeting of CEA will be in Werne, Germany, April 25 through 28, 2018.
05/13/2017