The meeting of SCJ bishops continues in Puente la Reina, within an atmosphere that is simultaneously fraternal, spiritual, and missionary. April 28 and 29 were particularly rich in reflection, exchange, and discovery.
Tuesday, April 28: Returning to the Source and Sharing the Mission
The day of April 28 was marked by three key highlights.
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The Source of Identity
Father Pedro Iglesias opened the day with a profound reflection on the Constitutions (nos. 16-25), highlighting their role as a synthesis of the Dehonian charism. He reminded participants that the Constitutions first define identity—spiritual life and union with Christ—before any activity. The main pillars were revisited: union with Christ, oblation, love, reparation, and community life. Using the metaphor of a plant, he proposed a pedagogical reading:
- Roots: Interior life and union with Christ (nos. 16-17)
- Trunk and Branches: Community life and mission (nos. 18-20)
- Fruits: Offering, reparation, and service to the world (nos. 21-25)
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Sharing Pastoral Experiences
The bishops continued their “world tour” by sharing the realities of their dioceses. Despite the diversity of contexts and challenges, they are united in their commitment to serving the Church through their common Dehonian identity. Following the bishops who spoke the previous day, two other active bishops, today’s attention was particularly reserved for the bishops emeritus.
- Msgr. Vital Chitolina, SCJ – Bishop of Diamantino (Mato Grosso – Brazil)
- Msgr. José Ornelas Carvalho, SCJ – Bishop of Leiria-Fátima (Portugal)
- Msgr. Carmo João Rhoden, SCJ – Bishop Emeritus of Taubaté (Brazil)
- Msgr. Virginio D. Bressanelli, SCJ – Bishop Emeritus of Neuquén (Argentina)
- Msgr. Gaetano Di Pierro, SCJ – Bishop of Farafangana (Madagascar)
- Msgr. Murilo S. Ramos Krieger, SCJ – Archbishop Emeritus of São Salvador da Bahia (Brazil)
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Meeting with the Local Community
The day concluded with a warm encounter with the local community and pilgrims from the Camino de Santiago. Their testimonies offered touching insight into the spiritual dimension of the “Camino di Santiago” pilgrimage. The bishops also shared a convivial moment with the students and staff of the Dehonian college in Puente la Reina, an experience that was equally impactful for the latter.
Wednesday, April 29: A Day of Discovery and Spirituality
The third day was dedicated to discovering the spiritual and historical heritage of the region.
After morning prayer, the participants traveled to Javier to visit the famous Castle of Francis Xavier. This iconic site, where the saint was born and baptized, left a deep impression on the participants. The visit was followed by the celebration of the Eucharist, lending a strong spiritual dimension to the moment.
The day continued with a visit to the Benedictine Monastery of Leyre, where a community of monks lives according to the rhythm of prayer and work.
At the end of the day, the bishops returned to the Dehonian community of Puente la Reina, where they continue their stay and their work in a spirit of communion and mission.
