On August 7, the national directors of Cáritas from the Camex area (Central America and Mexico) gathered at the Cáritas Honduras Pastoral Center in Siguatepeque for a fraternal and strategic meeting. The meeting, led by Wilfredo Cervantes, director of Cáritas Honduras and Zone coordinator, focused on an analysis of the reality of each country, taking into account the political, economic, and social dimensions. This zone is made up of the Cáritas of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Panama.

One of the main points addressed was the redefinition of cooperation in a context of resource reduction. The directors shared the responses that the Church has provided in the face of this scenario, reaffirming that, despite the adversities. “Charity in the church continues, we continue to be a light of hope,” said Wilfredo Cervantes.

Be a light of hope to walk together

During the meeting, lines of work and common themes that affect the region were identified, such as migration, fragile democracies and the impact of climate change. Wilfredo highlights other topics that have been discussed such as the strengthening of parish charities, the issue of institutional identity, how we see ourselves as a church and how we act in this time of inequality, especially within the framework of the Jubilee Year.

The meeting was accompanied by Nicolás Meyer, regional coordinator, which made it possible to place the realities of the CAMEX area within a broader framework. Agreements were established for the continuity of the joint work, including the possibility of a meeting with the presiding bishops, the planning of the next annual meeting for the Latin American Congress, which will be held in Brazil in 2027 and the definition of a methodology for periodic meetings, even virtual, that allow the exchange of ideas and the analysis of the situation with specialists.

For Father Edwin Enríquez, national director of Cáritas El Salvador and participant for the first time in this space, the meeting was a journey synod that allowed him to feel welcomed and motivated. Enríquez highlighted the opportunity to share experiences, overcome challenges and reaffirm the desire to walk together to be the heart of the Church in their respective countries.

Listening to each other, sharing experiences, the work that each one does, despite difficulties, adversities, motivates because they are challenges, opportunities and, of course, the desire to walk together, keeping in mind the memory of our beloved Pope Francis and also listening to our beloved Pope León and the heart of the church, which is us Caritas," he highlighted.

The meeting concluded with the renewed commitment of the Cáritas of the area CAMEX to continue its mission, being a sign of hope in the region.