Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lima (Agenzia Fides) – About 200 participants from 16 Latin American and 4 European countries, from 80 institutions, gathered in Lima, the capital of Peru, February 3 to 7, 2010 for the 10th Latin American and Caribbean Congress of Secular Institutes. The previous Congress was held in Santo Domingo in August 2006 and the next will be in July 2014 in Puerto Rico. The theme of the reflection, in line with Aparecida, was "The Missionary Challenge of Secular Institutes in Latin America and the Caribbean" (see Fides 09/02/2010).
Fides was sent the conclusions of this Congress: 12 points, expressing joy of lay consecrated life and gratitude for the unity of the 80 institutions represented in the Congress. In response to the theme, the participants note the urgent need to plan their lives with a devoted and responsible Christian spirituality in society. There are several elements to succeed in this goal: the young age of the consecrated, the creative fidelity to their charism, the receptiveness of young institutions for young Latin Americans, and the example of the saints, especially “Latin Americans” such as Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo.
With these elements, according to the conclusions, they must create opportunities to achieve growth in vocations, strengthen connections and communication among participating countries (in which the role of CISAL, the Confederation of Secular Institutes in Latin America is crucial), and create a powerful network in order to serve the Church and the world. The last request of the conclusions comes in the form of a prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe, invoking her company and guidance in this missionary task. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 02/03/2010)
