Religious life closing down all over Europe. Post-Conciliar stasis of mismanaged decline is entering a death loop
The Claretian communities of Narbonne (France) and Trieste (Italy) will close next academic year. The Claretians say goodbye to these cities after 89 and 113 years of presence respectively. This decision is part of the process of reviewing the presences that began two years ago in the Province. The Provincial Superior communicated it with this letter:
Dear Brothers,
Through these lines we inform you of the closure of the communities of Narbonne and Trieste in view of the next academic year. Both closures are part of the process of reviewing the positions that began two years ago in the Province. As already happened last year in similar cases, these types of decisions are very painful for everyone: for the Diocese itself, the Faithful we serve, the local Claretian community and the provincial government.
Both Narbonne and Trieste are communities with a long tradition in our Congregation. Closing houses with a long history stirs affections, stories and fruitful pastoral work. These are not decisions that we take lightly, but are based on various types of reasons collected during the discernment process (personal questionnaires, community questionnaires, regional dialogues, etc.) and have the clear objective of scaling down our communities and pastoral activity in the face of the fragility we are experiencing.
I am aware that these are painful decisions that perhaps we do not agree with. The only thing I can tell you is that the provincial government is facing this process of reviewing positions seriously, seeking the best scenario for the life and mission of our Province.
Speaking with the Bishop of Trieste and the Claretian community, we agreed that on Friday, May 30, in the afternoon, we will inform the laity of the parish of this news. I ask you that, until that day, we maintain maximum discretion on this matter so that the laity of Trieste receive the appropriate information on May 30 through the most appropriate channels.
I ask you that, despite all the difficulties, we continue to walk together trusting in God.
In Communion,
Juan Martin Askaiturrieta cmf
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