From August 19 to 26, Valladolid hosted the European Meeting of Scholastic Brothers of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, with the participation of Brothers from the Provinces of Portugal, Spain, France, Romania, Central Europe, and Poland. Under the motto “Expanding Hospitality Together,” wee xperienced days of prayer, reflection, fellowship, and fraternity, accompanied by Brother Joaquín Erra, General Councilor for the European Region.
The meeting provided an opportunity to share the lines of action emerging from the General Chapter and how they have been welcomed and implemented in the different Provincial Chapters. Through presentations and group work, we were able to better understand our realities and discover that, although we live in different cultural and linguistic contexts, we share the same vocation and charism.
One of the most enriching aspects was precisely the diversity. The variety of languages, experiences, and perspectives helped us understand that unity does not mean uniformity. Listening to each other, dialoguing, and discerning together allowed us to recognize that every reality can contribute something valuable to the common journey of Hospitality in Europe.
The program also included a visit to the San Juan de Dios Center in Valladolid and various moments of fellowship in Ávila, Palencia, and León. These experiences helped us discover how Hospitality is put into practice through care fori ndividuals, and how the Orders’ history and spirituality continue to inspire our present.
The meeting concluded with a reflection by Brother Jesús Etayo on the challenges of Hospitality in Europe. We left with a question that remains open: how can wecontinue to be Brothers of St. John of God and witnesses of Hospitality in today’s reality?
Valladolid did not offer a single answer, but rather a shared conviction: expanding Hospitality means expanding our gaze, our capacity to listen, and our fraternity. We are different, but we walk together, putting our gifts at thes ervice of the same mission and dreaming together about the future of Hospitality in Europe.
