EVENTS

EAD Gathering: Local Superior's Meeting (July 24-25, 2026)

Congregation UPDATE

United in Prayer, Walking in Mission: East Asia Delegation Retreat 2026

The Claretian East Asia Delegation commenced its five-day Delegation Retreat in Fukuoka, Japan, from July 27–31, 2026, bringing together 24 members from the Delegation's communities in Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Taiwan, and beyond. More than a regular gathering, the retreat provides an opportunity for the missionaries to step away from their daily apostolic responsibilities, renew their spiritual lives, and deepen their communion as brothers in mission through prayer, reflectio

East Asia Delegation Local Superiors Gather in Osaka for Reports and Future Planning

The Local Superiors of the Claretian East Asia Delegation convened in Osaka, Japan, for their meeting on July 24–25, 2026, held at the Delegation Curia and the parish church. The gathering provided an important opportunity for the superiors to strengthen communion, review the life and mission of their respective communities, and reflect together on the journey of the Delegation. Throughout the meeting, participants presented reports highlighting significant pastoral, formatio

“Breathing the Same Missionary Spirit”: Foundation Day Message

Jul 13, 2026 | Congregation, Mathew Vattamattam In his message marking the 177th anniversary of the Claretian Congregation, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, Superior General, invites Claretian brothers to “breathe the same missionary Spirit” that inspired Saint Anthony Mary Claret and his first companions in Vic. He calls them to return to the sources of their vocation — prayer, community, the Word of God, the Eucharist, missionary availability and trust in the Heart of Mary — s

Message of the Superior General Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Prot. PS 133/2026 MESSAGE OF THE SUPERIOR GENERAL FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Dear brothers, As we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, our hearts turn with gratitude and affection to the Mother who has accompanied our Congregation from its very beginnings. During these days of novena, we have reflected on the theme “The Heart of Mary and the Word,” contemplating how God's Word was welcomed, treasured, pondered, lived, and proclaimed in Mary's life.

Announcement of the XXVII General Chapter

On May 30th, 2026, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, Superior General of the Claretian Missionaries, officially announced the celebration of the XXVII General Chapter, to be held from 15 August to 10 September 2027 in Rome. Centered on the theme “One Mission, One in Mission: Prophetic and Mystical Missionaries on the Synodal Path,” the Chapter invites the entire Congregation to renew its commitment to communion, discernment, and missionary service in today’s world. Inspired by the

Our Congregation journeying towards the XXVII General Chapter: Letter of Father General after the intensives sessions

Apr 22, 2026 | XXVII General Chapter, Mathew Vattamattam Discover a message of hope, discernment, and missionary renewal in the latest letter of the Superior General, Fr Mathew Vattamattan, CMF, following the intensive sessions. Set against a world marked by crisis and longing for peace, this letter invites the entire Congregation to journey together toward the XXVII General Chapter with a spirit of synodality, prayer, and shared responsibility. It highlights key decisions, e

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Celebrations & Events

Apostolate

Strengthening Mission Partnerships in Nanjing

In a spirit of collaboration and shared mission, Fr. Paco is currently visiting Amity Printing Press in Nanjing together with Fr. Alberto and Ms. Divine. The visit aims to deepen relationships and gain a better understanding of our valued partners in Amity Press, one of the world’s leading Bible printing ministries. During their time at the press, the group has been given a firsthand look at the remarkable work being carried out—an inspiring witness to dedication, precision,

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Formation

Encounter with Claret 2026 Begins for English-Speaking Claretians

Vic, Spain. The Encounter with Claret 2026 is being held from 24 February to 26 March 2026, gathering 16 English-speaking Claretians from different Organisms for a month of study, prayer, and pilgrimage centered on the life and mission of St. Anthony Mary Claret. The programme aims to deepen participants’ understanding of Claret’s spirituality and missionary vision through intensive sessions and visits to significant Claretian sites. The Encounter unfolds in three phases in V

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Spirituality

United in Prayer, Walking in Mission: East Asia Delegation Retreat 2026

The Claretian East Asia Delegation commenced its five-day Delegation Retreat in Fukuoka, Japan, from July 27–31, 2026, bringing together 24 members from the Delegation's communities in Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Taiwan, and beyond. More than a regular gathering, the retreat provides an opportunity for the missionaries to step away from their daily apostolic responsibilities, renew their spiritual lives, and deepen their communion as brothers in mission through prayer, reflectio

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Youth

Fifteen Years of English Camps

It all began in 2010 with the ASCLA-East Formators’ Meeting in Indonesia, which led to the biennial English Camp in Indonesia starting in 2011 as well as in the college seminary in the Philippines until before the pandemic years. The work also brought me to Sri Lanka for English programs for the students in formation and teachers’ training programs for formators. In 2023, I resumed facilitating the annual English Camp in the Philippines, but after 15 years, it is now the time

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Hong Kong Update

Hong Kong and Macau Claretian Communities Unite in Zhongshan for 177th Anniversary Celebration

ZHONGSHAN, CHINA — The Claretian Missionary communities of Hong Kong and Macau recently crossed borders to jointly celebrate a historic milestone: the 177th Foundation Anniversary of the congregation, originally established in 1849 by their father founder, St. Anthony Mary Claret. A group of approximately 30 guests, partners, and close collaborators embarked on an overnight journey spanning July 15 and July 16, 2026. Gathering in Zhongshan, the delegation shared fellowship me

Claretian Publications Unveils 2027 Daily Gospels and Landmark Chinese Bible at Hong Kong Book Fair

HONG KONG — The highly anticipated 36th Hong Kong Book Fair is currently underway at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), running from July 15 to July 21, 2026. Among the diverse array of global exhibitors, the Claretian community is making a significant spiritual impact with a dedicated exhibition stall showcasing their upcoming pastoral releases. Featured at the FairBible Diary 2027 – The newly printed liturgical companion featuring daily reflections, p

Feast of Perpetual Help Celebrated with Faith and Fellowship in Tai O

June 27–28, 2026 | Tai O, Lantau, Hong Kong — The Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Tai O, Lantau, Hong Kong, celebrated its feast day with joyful liturgical celebrations and community gatherings. On Saturday, June 27, Fr. Jojo Ancheril, CMF, priest in charge of the chapel, invited Fr. Natalius Suryanto, SVD to preside at the Cantonese Mass. The celebration was followed by a meaningful gathering with the Chinese community, fostering friendship, faith, and communion. The

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Japan Update

Welcome Back! Fr. Llamas Returns to the Community

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING — Joy and relief filled the community as we warmly welcomed Fr. Llamas back home following his recent medical procedure and recovery period. His time away was deeply felt by everyone, and his return brings a renewed sense of warmth, gratitude, and happiness to both the brethren and the parishioners. We give heartfelt thanks to God for guiding the medical team and granting him a successful procedure and smooth healing. Fr. Llamas and the community exten

Celebrating 50 Years of Faith & Service

Fr. Félix Martines (standing at the center with Chausable) OSAKA, JAPAN — Joy and deep gratitude filled the community in Osaka as religious brethren gathered to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Fr. Félix Martines’ first religious profession. Marking 50 years of consecrated life and dedicated vows to his congregation, the milestone was commemorated with a heartfelt Mass of Thanksgiving. During the liturgy, Fr. Félix renewed his vows, offering praise for five decades of blessing

Easter Celebration Honors Six Years of Claretian Vietnamese Youth Ministry in Japan

On May 5, 2026, around 150 Vietnamese youth, together with several Japanese parishioners, gathered at Kadoma Church for a joyful yet emotional Easter Season Mass and farewell celebration. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Paul Y, CMF, who will soon begin his new assignment in the Kyoto Diocese. The celebration was followed by a farewell party filled with gratitude, memories, and heartfelt emotions. The Vietnamese youth community, formed six years ago by Fr. Stephen Nang, became

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Macau Update

Claretian Publications Macao Unveils 2027 Editions of Daily Scripture Reflections

MACAU - Continuing its vital mission of biblical apostolate, Claretian Publications Macau has announced the release of three essential daily spiritual companions for 2027: the Children's Daily Gospel in both English and Chinese editions, alongside the adult Chinese devotional, 每日聖言 (Měirì Shèngyán). Freshly off the press, these newest publications continue the publisher’s commitment to providing accessible, daily scripture engagement for all ages. The Children’s Daily Gospel

New Encyclical Letter of Pope Leo XIV: Magnifica Humanitas

AVAILABLE IN PRINTED COPIES At Claretian Publications MACAU Pope Leo’s ‘Magnifica humanitas’: AI must serve humanity not concentrate power Marking the 135th anniversary of Rerum novarum, Pope Leo XIV releases his first encyclical, entitled ‘Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.’ He appeals for the safeguarding of humanity, promotion of truth, dignity of work, social justice, and peace. Source Vatican News By Isabella Pir

Macau Honors Our Lady of Fátima with Grand Marian Procession

Every year on May 13, the Catholic community in Macau gathers for the grand Procession of Our Lady of Fátima, one of the city’s most important and cherished religious traditions. The celebration commemorates the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Fátima in 1917 and begins with a solemn Mass at St. Dominic's Church. After the liturgy, the faithful accompany the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary through the historic streets of Macau while singing hymns and praying the rosary. You

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Taiwan Update

Our Queen of Peace Parish Marks 69th Patronal Feast with Baptisms and Confirmations

KEELUNG, TAIWAN – July 28, 2026 — Our Queen of Peace Parish joyfully celebrated the 69th anniversary of its Patronal Feast on July 28, 2026, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the parish priest, Fr. Arturo Morales, CMF. Parishioners, families, and friends gathered in thanksgiving to honor Mary under the title of Our Queen of Peace, praying for the grace of peace in their families, communities, and throughout the world. The celebration highlighted six decad

Claretian Community Enjoys Fellowship at Turtle Island

On July 20, 2026, the Claretian community in Taiwan enjoyed a memorable day of fraternity and recreation with a community outing to Quishan (Guishan) Island, also known as Turtle Island (龜山島), off the coast of Yilan. Surrounded by the island's breathtaking volcanic landscapes and the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, the community members spent quality time together, strengthening their bonds through shared conversations, laughter, prayer, and appreciation of God's creation. (L-R)

Pilgrimage Visit: Hualien Cathedral Parishioners Gather at Keelung's Queen of Peace Parish

On July 18, 2026, Fr. Tzong led a delegation of parishioners from the Cathedral of Hualien on a pastoral visit to The Queen of Peace Parish in Keelung, Taiwan. The gathering offered a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, prayer, and strengthening the spiritual bonds between the two parish communities as visitors were welcomed into the vibrant local ministry. The visiting group was warmly received through the generous hospitality of the Parish Priest, Fr. Arturo Morales, CMF.

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MESSAGES

“Breathing the Same Missionary Spirit”: Foundation Day Message

Jul 13, 2026 | Congregation, Mathew Vattamattam In his message marking the 177th anniversary of the Claretian Congregation, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, Superior General, invites Claretian brothers to “breathe the same missionary Spirit” that inspired Saint Anthony Mary Claret and his first companions in Vic. He calls them to return to the sources of their vocation — prayer, community, the Word of God, the Eucharist, missionary availability and trust in the Heart of Mary — s

Message of the Superior General Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Prot. PS 133/2026 MESSAGE OF THE SUPERIOR GENERAL FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY Dear brothers, As we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, our hearts turn with gratitude and affection to the Mother who has accompanied our Congregation from its very beginnings. During these days of novena, we have reflected on the theme “The Heart of Mary and the Word,” contemplating how God's Word was welcomed, treasured, pondered, lived, and proclaimed in Mary's life.

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REFLECTIONS

Devotional Shield 7: A Year with Fr. Claret and the Eucharist

The most profound remedy for spiritual evil is not merely resisting it but developing the inner clarity to recognize it and the strength to choose the good. This process is called discernment. For a Claretian, who is called to be “a man on fire with love who spreads its flames wherever he goes,” this fire must be guarded and directed. A heart on fire is powerful but can be scattered by the winds of confusion, distraction, or subtle temptations. True zeal must be paired with w

The Rich Young Man And the Inheritance He Could Not Claim

Inspiring Reflections based on Mark 10:17-31 He had lived his life well. From his youth, he had kept the commandments, and he knew it. There was no false modesty in him; he was honest enough to recognize his own goodness. He was not a hypocrite, not a man who pretended to be righteous while hiding corruption in the shadows. He was upright, respected, and confident in the integrity of his life. And yet, beneath that confidence stirred a deeper longing. Goodness was not enough

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