HONDURAS

HONDURAS
VOCATIONS AND ACCOMPANIMENT

The Quebec Foreign Mission Society (SMÉ) has been present in Honduras since 1955. The SMÉ missionaries, including bishops, priests, and lay associates, are engaged in the Archdiocese of Tegucigalpa and the Diocese of Choluteca. They are Bishop Guy Charbonneau, Bernard Boucher, André Dionne, Jean Greffard, Juvanne L. Regidor, all p.m.é., as well as lay associates Grisel Cabrera Martinez, Donna Joy Tai, Luningning Alvarado and Béatriz María Medina.

THE PRIORITIES OF FRATERNAL LIFE

Every two months, a fraternal meeting of all SMÉ missionaries takes place. The agenda includes reflection, sharing experiences from the field, and moments of introspection. Sometimes, it takes the form of a retreat. Those in the capital gather weekly around a meal to encourage moments of exchange.

THE MISSION: PRESENCE, MINISTRIES, AND ACCOMPANIMENT

In Choluteca, the main apostolates are accompanying couples and candidates for the priesthood at the Choluteca Minor Seminary and welcoming displaced persons.

In the capital, Tegucigalpa, lay associate missionaries are present with people living on the streets and young people with learning difficulties. Besides ministry in a parish, a p.m.é. accompanies candidates for religious life in the community of the Sisters of Marilam, founded by Bishop Marcel Gérin, p.m.é. Around the capital, the ministry continues in small base communities in the mountains and with the Delegates of the Word, laypeople trained to lead rural communities far from major centers.

MISSION PROMOTION AND ANIMATION

Missionary promotion and vocational animation in Central America are entrusted to a team: a p.m.é. and former lay associate missionaries, along with affiliates and friends of the SMÉ. The goal is to create small groups in Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Young people in vocational discernment are supported through a program called Discover Your Path.

With videoconferencing, three times a year, everyone can benefit from discussions on mission-related themes. Additionally, an Advent retreat and a Lenten retreat are offered. For affiliates, monthly commitments and resource gatherings help deepen the SMÉ's missionary style.