Claver Network Strengthens Linkages and Joint Planning

From August 28 to September 1, the Father Anchieta Retreat House, located in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), was the setting for the Annual Meeting of the Claver Network. The Network, which encompasses all the Development Offices of the Jesuit provinces of Latin America and the Caribbean, brought together representatives from different countries with common objectives: to strengthen ties, share knowledge and plan for a future of collaboration and even more significant impact.

Representatives from the Development Offices of Central America, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Cuba, Haiti, Paraguay, Venezuela and Brazil met to share experiences, learn and plan their work for the next three-year period, 2024-2026.

In addition to the presence of Fr. Rafael Garrido SJ, president of the Conference of Jesuit Provincials of Latin America and the Caribbean (CPAL), and Fr. Mieczyslaw Smyda SJ, Provincial of Brazil, the event included contributions from various entities and leaders. Marcos Venturini SJ; Fr. Jerfferson de Souza SJ; Br. Davidson Braga SJ, Socius of the Provincial of Brazil, and Br. Eudson Ramos SJ, Provincial Administrator of Brazil, contributed decisively to enrich the debates and the diversity of perspectives.

During the days of intense activities, they had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of international cooperation through external training. In addition, the Development Offices of each country shared their experiences and best practices.

In his presentation, the Communications Coordinator of the Brazilian Jesuit Province, Paulo Moregola, shed light on the Ignatian identity. His words reminded everyone of the importance of effective communication for the success and visibility of Claver Network initiatives.

The program of the meeting included a presentation on the Centro Educativo Padre Agostinho Castejón (CEPAC), an educational unit of the Jesuit Basic Education Network (RJE), located in Morro Santa Marta, Rio de Janeiro, and the presentation of a gift bag from the institution.

On Thursday, August 31, the group took the opportunity to elect the new team of coordinators that will head the 2024-2026 period, which will be made up of representatives from Brazil, Peru, Cuba and Mexico.

On the last day of the meeting, the perspectives of the Operational Plan for the next three years were presented. In addition, the participants had the opportunity to get to know closely the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), a work entrusted by the Church to the Society of Jesus.

Article published in Jesuitas Brasil