We have completed one week’s work in the Course in preparation for Solemn Profession. This first week has been very intensive, designed to summarise the entire formation process in preparation for consecration. A very practical and hands-on methodology was used. The Brothers listened to various testimonies of people who are on the way, following Jesus,  and other testimonies of people who are also on the way, but pursuing other forms of consecration. The aim was to enable the Brothers on the course to compare their own formation itinerary and to produce a summary of what they had received in each stage of formation. The week's reflection touched on such matters as: human maturity and spiritual maturity,  charism, mission, consecration and fraternal life and formation. Each of these matters were the focus of personal and group reflections.

We have now embarked on another very significant experience for the course. This week is dedicated to the Spiritual Exercises, based on the Saint John of God’s Spiritual Experience. It will be directed by the Claretian priest, Father José Cristo Rey. The Brothers on the Course will be able to reflect and meditate on the spiritual path of John of God, a mystic in reverse. Whereas the great mystics sought to ascend to the summit, as Saint John of the Cross did to Mount Carmel or Saint Teresa to the seventh mansion, Saint John of God sought to descend to the lowest depths of human misery and become a madman among the mad, in the hospital where he felt at home; he stood as a witness to the compassionate and merciful Christ.

This spiritual experience began with the Audience with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and will culminate with the pilgrimage to Assisi.  

On Monday, 11 September 2023, the solemn profession preparation course began for 36 young brothers of the Order from 4 continents (Africa, Asia, Europe and America). This course had not been able to take place previously because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The course will be held mainly in Rome, but there will also be a visit to Assisi and it will end in Granada, in the footsteps of the Founder Saint John of God.

The aim of the course is to discern and deepen the meaning of consecration to God and the mission of hospitality in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and the example of Saint John of God.

The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist, during which the Superior General, Brother Jesús Etayo, in his homily invoked the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, so that he might illuminate and guide the training sessions and help the participants to live more deeply the meaning of fraternity and hospitality. 

Among other things, there will be lectures on various subjects related to consecrated life, and more specifically to the Hospitaller Order, in addition to spiritual exercises which will be led by Father Claritian Cristo Rey.