This is the question that has resonated in my heart as I begin this new year, contemplating each evangelizing member in the parish area that I accompany. Each year, it is essential to provide the spiritual food that sustains our catechetical leaders in their evangelizing work.
Therefore, despite any setbacks, our summer training for leaders in the pastoral zone II took place at the parish of Los Santos Arcángeles, in the chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, from January 6th to 17th 2025, in the district of San Martín de Porres, Lima. It was two consecutive and intense weeks dedicated to dialogue, mutual listening, and attentiveness to the guidance of the Spirit of God. It was a gathering of people who offer their talents and time in service to the Church. The fellowship renewed our spirit, united us, and strengthened us as a true community of communities, all on the path toward meeting our God.
This summer training was aimed at an adult audience which forms, guides, and accompanies our catechumens in the variety of sacramental and catechetical programs. Additionally, we were delighted to have a significant group of young people, who are icons of a God who never ages or goes out of style, and who renew our hope and encourage us to continue together on His path.
Our summer training for pastoral agents has become a Columban tradition that we initiate each year before starting any type of parish catechesis. This practice has always yielded good results, as it prepares us to welcome and enthusiastically embrace the challenges of the year. It is a spiritual food that nourishes both those we accompany and ourselves.
Thus, these two weeks have been intense in learning about Jesus, our teacher and savior. Once again, we have fed on the Gospels, on His Good News, especially the Gospel of Saint Luke, contemplating the God of great mercy.
We have prayed fervently at the beginning of each day and each night, placing our projects in God’s hands, asking for His assistance, guidance, and companionship throughout the year. These two weeks have required sacrifice from all participants; each one has had to set aside their work and interests to be present at this parish training. Some even travelled from peripheral and distant areas of the parish geography, despite the lack of public transportation, just to participate.
All this effort has allowed us to realize how God acts in our lives, drawing us toward His path. It has been a rewarding time to feel and live in community, a true community of communities. A time to look at each other face to face, to get to know each other better. A synodal time, embraced by the jubilee. A time to thank God for all that He provides us. Seventy-five men and women began and concluded this summer training, placing our hope in God, who assists us in every task entrusted to us in our community of faith this year. This is the food that strengthens us and those we accompany on their journey toward God.
