Madrid hosts from this Tuesday, August 18, the XI Congress of the World Conference of Secular Institutes (CMIS), bringing together 240 members from 71 institutes from 42 countries and four continents. The meeting, which will run until August 20, will be followed by the organization’s General Assembly on the 21st and 22nd, also in the Spanish capital.
According to the Archdiocese of Madrid, this is the first time Spain has hosted a Congress and General Assembly of the CMIS. The sessions are being held at the headquarters of the CEU San Pablo Foundation in Madrid, on Julián Romea Street, under the theme «In the heart of the world, what prophecy of hope?»
Simona Brambilla participates in the Congress
During the first days, the presence of Sister Simona Brambilla, Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, is planned.
Also participating are Elba Catalina Fleita, President of the World Conference of Secular Institutes, and Carolina Sánchez, President of the Spanish Conference of Secular Institutes (CEDIS).
Several Spanish bishops will also be present during the days to preside over the daily celebration of the Eucharist.
240 participants from 42 countries
The Congress brings together 240 members of secular institutes. In total, 71 institutes from 42 countries across four continents are represented.
The days will be dedicated to analyzing the current situation of secular institutes and their mission within different social realities. The reflection will revolve around the theme chosen for this edition: «In the heart of the world, what prophecy of hope?»
Secular institutes are a form of consecrated life whose members profess the evangelical counsels while remaining inserted in the ordinary conditions of secular life. Their recognition within the Church was established by Pius XII in 1947 through the apostolic constitution Provida Mater Ecclesia.
The Second Vatican Council later referred to them in the decree Perfectae Caritatis, which states that, although they are not religious institutes, they entail a true profession of the evangelical counsels recognized by the Church.
The General Assembly will elect a new presidency
Once the Congress concludes, the General Assembly of the World Conference of Secular Institutes will be held on August 21 and 22.
The 71 general superiors of institutes who have confirmed their attendance must elect the new president of the CMIS and the members of its executive committee.
During the Assembly, the outgoing leadership team will also present the balance of its management during the period since the previous General Assembly, held in 2022.
An organization recognized by the Holy See since 1974
The World Conference of Secular Institutes was founded in 1972 and received approval from the Holy See in 1974.
Its purpose is to promote collaboration among the various secular institutes and contribute to the development of their respective missions. The organization takes as reference number 11 of Perfectae Caritatis, where the Second Vatican Council states that these institutes should strive to be in the world «leaven to strengthen and increase the Body of Christ.»
Since its creation, the CMIS periodically holds congresses and general assemblies to bring together the leaders and members of the institutes belonging to the organization. The edition taking place this week marks the first celebration of both meetings in Spain.