Claretian Route 2024

The initiative to step where San Antonio María Claret, Bishop of Santiago de Cuba (1851-1857), once walked was led by the Prefecture of Vocational Youth Ministry, CMF with the support and participation from regional governments and communities.

Srs. Romazee and Dina, Rmi from the communities in Cuba, were given the opportunity to take part in this very meaningful and important journey.

Objectives of the Pilgrimage

The primary objective was to visit the places of special significance that express the Claretian charism during Fr. Claret’s time in Cuba, and to deeply immerse ourselves in his life, understanding and living his spirituality.

Other objectives included each young pilgrim finding themselves through the “Claretian Route,” experiencing spiritual growth, and reflecting on their life, values, and aspirations.

Additionally, the route aimed to introduce participants to new places, exploring key cities in Cuba such as Baracoa, Guantánamo, Santiago, El Cobre, Holguín, Camagüey, and Havana, delving into their history and culture.

This journey promised cultural enrichment, with historical monuments, legends, and music along the path reflecting the rich heritage of each region and its people.

The “Claretian Route” provided moments of serenity and communion with nature, offering landscapes conducive to reflection and deeper connection with the environment. As a group pilgrimage, it fostered connections among participants, uniting them in the shared spirituality and charisma of our Founder, Fr. Claret.

“An experience you must live to share and testify“

Early on Monday, July 15, 2024, a courageous group of young people from various countries (Puerto Rico 3, Cuba 4, Haiti 3, Dominican Republic 4, Cameroon 1, San Salvador 1, Spain 1, Sri Lanka 2, India 1) embarked on this journey to Cuba’s wonder-filled island.

The journey commenced in Santiago de Cuba, starting at the Holy Trinity parish and St. Antony Mary Claret Missionary Cultural and Animation Center. After breakfast and immersion in Cuban life, the route progressed towards Songo-la Maya, marking the beginning of the Claretian mission.

The next destination was Guantánamo, where the inaugural Claretian Route 2024 unfolded, allowing participants to experience the contemporary challenges and the living legacy of the Claretian mission. Here the group visited the first significant site visited by Claret, the chapel of St. Anselm in Tiguabos, where Claret spent several days ministering to the local community, and the Church of the Miracle. Father Chumy CMF, parish priest of this church, provided further insights into Claret’s footsteps in Guantanamo.

The 16th of July coincided with the Foundation Day of the Claretian Missionaries Congregation. On this day the group makes its pilgrimage to Baracoa, he first church of the Santiago de Cuba diocese and the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, where Claret once preached and instructed catechism.

The following days the group continued in the footsteps of San Antonio María Claret. It visited Holguín, where Claret survived an assassination attempt, Gibara beach, where he often rested during his missionary journeys, and Camagüey, renowned for its cultural heritage. The route was accompanied by times of prayer, personal and community reflection and fun, which fostered solidarity and spiritual growth among the participants.

The pilgrimage culminated in Havana, where the group, on July 19, visited the Claretian community and explored the Cuban capital, concluding with heartfelt gratitude to all who made the Claretian Route 2024 a transformative experience.