Visitation of the Province of Puerto Rico
During the previous months of October and November, Father Javier Álvarez, Vicar-General, visited all the local communities of the Province of Puerto Rico and shared his life with the Missionaries. The canonical visitation included a spiritual retreat (the members of the Province were divided into two groups which enabled all the confreres to participate in the retreat).
It is good to recall that Puerto Rico is a complex Province that is composed of three cultures and languages: Puerto Rico is a free territory of the United States and as such one experiences there the culture of the United States which includes the language (a mixture of Spanish and English expressions); the Dominican Republic which shares the island with Haiti and has a typical Latin American culture; Haiti, on the other hand, has a culture that is more French in its origin and the people speak either French or Creolo (a variation of French). To these three cultures one would have to add the culture of the foreign Missionaries which at the present time number nineteen (almost one third of the total number of confreres). In this Province one can feel (as in no other Province) the value and the complexity of multiculturalism. Also as observed by one of the confreres, the Province of Puerto Rico is a reflection of the international dimension of the Congregation.
Despite the diversity in culture and age it can be stated that the Province enjoys a wonderful environment of unity and harmony among the various generations. The words of Saint Vincent could be applied to the confreres of this Province: they live together as good friends who care for one another. This same esteem is shown to the infirm and elder members of the Province. This is not, however, the only positive characteristic of the Province … there are many other hopeful signs. Perhaps one of the most outstanding of these signs is the number of vocations, some 40 young men are involved in the various stages of formation. There is much concern and interest in Vocational Promotion and an equal concern about the formation of the young men who apply for membership in the Congregation.
The most important ministry of the Province (at least from a numerical perspective) is parish ministry. The Province is involved in the administration of numerous parishes, most of which are very active parishes. There is a concern for the liturgy and for the formation of the laity … there are numerous programs that promote the dignity of those men and women who are poor (it is admitted that this aspect can be further developed). Indeed, it is this dedication to those who are poor that most defines the pastoral ministry of the confreres.
Father Javier is grateful for the hospitality and collaboration that he experienced during his visit to the various local communities. He is also grateful for the preparation that was made in anticipation of his visit, preparation that was done by the members of the Provincial Council and by Father Alejandro Juan (Visitor), who accompanied Father during the time of his visit. May God bless the members of this Province.
Translated: Charles T. Plock, CM
