Continuing a longstanding tradition in both countries, the District of Chile-Peru held its annual gatherings of lay missionaries from its apostolates in Chile on August 31 and in Peru on September 14. All told, over 350 lay people, young and old, from schools, parishes, and social ministries, attended the two gatherings, alongside the almost 30 religious of the District.
The two gatherings shared the same theme, The Family in the Light of the Cross and its Hope, which built upon the previous two years which were also focused on the family.
Read more about the work of Holy Cross in Peru
Fr. Juan Phalen, C.S.C., Assistant Pastor at El Señor de la Esperanza Parish in Peru, served as the main speaker at both. For many years, Fr. Phalen served as the President of Holy Cross Family Ministries, which is dedicated to inspiring, promoting, and fostering the prayer life and spiritual well-being of families throughout the world. He shared stories of how even in difficult situations, with God it is possible to find hope.
Following his presentation, there was a chance for questions, and then there were activities in small groups to work with the theme and go deeper.
In Chile, Nuestra Señora de Andacollo School, led by Ana María Pichicona, Rector, served as the host for this year’s gathering. Among the participants were Fr. Emmanuel Kallackaral, C.S.C., Vicar General and First Assistant, and Br. Prodip Placid Gomes, C.S.C., Second Assistant, who were in the District for the canonical visit. They offered words of welcome and spoke of the importance of the Congregation's lay mission partners in its work.
Learn more about the history of Holy Cross in Chile
One treat of this year's gathering was the musical group Kerygma Chile, who led the attendees in Christian songs and dance and added lots of life and energy to the day. The gathering in Chile closed with a Mass in neighboring Andacollo Parish. Fr. Juan presided and preached. After Mass, all those present shared a delicious lunch.
In Peru, the gathering was held as usual at the Patricio Peyton Center. This year Yancana Huasy and the Pastoral Institute for the Family (INFAM) were responsible for the organization and the activities.
The gathering ended with a time of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration, led by Fr. Jim Gutiérrez, C.S.C., Director of INFAM. Then all the participants shared a tasty lunch.
"The collaboration of the laity in the mission is an opportunity to put their gifts at the service of this great Holy Cross Family," said Fr. Alfredo Hernández, C.S.C., Superior of the District of Chile-Peru. "It is not only a shared mission in the same charism, but it is lived with zeal and effectiveness. At the same time, the Congregation opportunely searches and discerns with the laity in order to respond jointly to the mission."