Responding to the congregation’s invitation to youth and vocation ministry as a mission priority, in collaboration with the ASCLA EAST youth coordinators, Claret Way-East Asia 2024 was held from July 25 to July 30 in Ormoc City, Philippines. From East Asia Delegation, eleven from Taiwan and three from Japan attended this encounter. Over 200 delegates from different East Asian countries (delegates from the Claretian parishes and communities in the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, East Timor, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea) participated in the program. This year’s Claret Way Asia East theme was “Spreading the Flame of the Sprit.”
Representatives from India (ASCLA WEST) also attended. Brother Carlos Verga, CMF, the General Prefect of Youth and Vocations Ministry, and Fr. Luis Enriquez, CMF, Claret Way Global Coordinator, attended the event. The large gathering felt like a testament to the unifying power of the Holy Spirit.
Our participants from Taiwan and Japan felt that it was not only an encounter of youth from different places but also an encounter with the spirit.
As CWAE 2024 ended, thoughts turned to the future. The next CWAE host has yet to be determined, but the journey continues. During the Claretian Night, Fr. Luis announced two major upcoming events: Claret Way Global in Rome 2025 and the WYD Gathering in Seoul 2027. These gatherings will further the mission, bringing together Claretians worldwide to continue spreading the flame of the Spirit.
[Credits from Fr Bobin Punnackapadavil, CMF]