Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) – Father Josep Maria Abella Batlle, 53, born in Lleida (Catalonia-Spain) is the new Superior General of the Missionary Sons of the Heart of di Mary (Claretian Missionaries). He was elected yesterday, 1° September by the Institute’s 23rd general Chapter taking place in Rome. Sent to Japan while still a seminarian, he lived in this Asian country the first lap of his mission. For the past 12 years he has been General Councillor of the Claretians, devoting himslef especially to the animation of the apostolate and to charismatic sharing with lay persons, also with numerous visits to many different countries.
The General Chapter of the Claretian Missionari, which began on 19 August and is focussing on the theme “That they may have life”, is attended by 76 religious, superiors or delegates of 3.000 missionaries working in 64 different countries on all five continents: 15 in Africa, 25 in America, 9 in Asia, 14 in Europe and 1 in Oceania. Founded by Saint Antonio Maria Claret (1807-1870) at Vic (Spain) in 1849, the Claretian Missionaris engage mainly in the proclamation of the Word, education of the young and apostolate through the press. (S.L.) (Fides Service 2/9/2003 – lines 13; words 166)
