From October 5 to 9, 2026, the clergy of the Diocese of Georgetown, in Guyana, held their annual conference with the participation of representatives from the country’s various regions and ecclesial communities. The meeting focused on reviewing and updating the Diocesan Pastoral Directory, a document that guides the organization and development of the local Church’s evangelizing mission.
The meeting was led by Bishop Francis Dean Alleyne of the Diocese of Georgetown, who also serves as the delegate of the Episcopal Conference of the Antilles to the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA). Over the course of five days, from Monday, October 5, to Friday, October 9, participants reflected on the pastoral organization of the diocese and reviewed the various chapters of the directory.
The meeting was attended by the diocesan bishop, the vicar general, and members of the clergy, who shared their perspectives and pastoral experiences to contribute to the updating of this ecclesial instrument.
A Tool in the Service of the Mission
The main objective of the annual conference was to review and update the Diocesan Pastoral Directory, a document that outlines the general guidelines for pastoral activity, the apostolates, diocesan responsibilities, organizations, and the various agents involved in the Church’s mission.
The chapter-by-chapter review allowed for an examination of the elements that guide the pastoral life of the diocese, with the aim of keeping this document up to date and strengthening the coordination among the various areas of service and evangelization.
This process provides an opportunity to evaluate the Church’s organization, recognize shared responsibilities, and renew the commitment of pastoral agents to the communities they serve.
A Church that Strengthens Its Journey in Communion
The Annual Clergy Conference serves as a space for encounter, dialogue, and discernment to strengthen communion among those who share in the mission of evangelization in Guyana. The participation of representatives from the country’s various regions made it possible to gather diverse experiences and perspectives on the challenges and needs of pastoral ministry.
From the perspective of synodality, these forums help to consolidate a Church that reviews its practices, promotes shared responsibility, and seeks to respond in a coordinated manner to the realities of its communities.
The participation of Monsignor Francis Dean Alleyne as a delegate of the Episcopal Conference of the West Indies to CEAMA also underscores the importance of strengthening ecclesial bonds and collaboration among the Churches that share pastoral and territorial challenges in the Amazon region and the Caribbean.
The Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA) supports and values these processes of dialogue and pastoral organization, which help strengthen a synodal, missionary Church committed to the lives of the peoples and communities of the region.
Note: With information from Fr. Santiago Lantigua, SJ, priest delegate of the Episcopal Conference of the Antilles to CEAMA, who participated in the meeting.
