C.PP.S. members from Chile, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia were together in late November for a retreat led by Fr. Barry Fischer, C.PP.S. “It was an historic moment,” Fr. Barry said. “For the first time ever the great majority of all the members of our Latin American Units gathered for a retreat.”
The retreat was held in Casa Merlini, the retreat center in Chaclacayo, Peru, which is a project of the Peruvian mission. Fr. Barry’s reflections were on the three pillars of the C.PP.S.: mission, community and spirituality.
“There was very good sharing and a positive spirit,” Fr. Barry said. “The overall objective of this gathering was to help the members to get to know each other (some for the first time, others to renew relationships forged over years either through joint formation programs, or community assemblies etc.) and to provide a safe space to dialogue and share ideas.”
The Morning Prayer and the Eucharistic celebrations were prepared by the different units. “The overall reaction was that more such gatherings should be planned for the future as it was a very positive experience,” Fr. Barry said.