From Monday, December 1, to Friday, December 5, 2025, the Provincial Custody of Mary Mother of Mercy in Central America celebrated its 3rd Ordinary Custodial Chapter. The event took place at the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Friary in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
The Chapter began by invoking the Spirit of Jesus Christ and His holy work through the liturgical prayer Adsumus. Then came the opening session, presided over by the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI. Others present included the Minister Provincial of the Mother Province of Our Lady of Consolation in the USA (OLA), Friar Martin DAY; the Assistant General for the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC), Friar Rogério PEREIRA XAVIER; the General Econom, Friar Leszek ŁUCZKANIN; and all the solemnly professed friars of the Custody.
The Capitulars had earlier established the members of the Steering Committee and the other functionaries for the Chapter. Then, they celebrated a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, presided over by the Minister General, praying for the action of the Spirit of Jesus Christ upon the Assembly. In his homily, Friar Carlos commented on the Gospel passage about the healing of the centurion’s servant (Mt 8:5-11). He then invited the friars to adopt a Gospel-rooted mindset: to acknowledge our fragility with serenity and humility as we encounter the person and mystery of Jesus Christ—a call he addressed especially to all the friars of the Custody.
On the first day, the Capitulars approved the priority topics that had been approved by the Pre-Chapter Assembly, held last November, and were subsequently reviewed and revised by each friar community of the Custody. These topics shall guide the 2026–2029 Four-Year Custodial Plan. They are: transmission of the charism, continuing formation, discernment of mission in the various presences, and economic self-sufficiency.
The second day of the Chapter began with a moment of contemplation before the Eucharist. Next, Friar Pablo Alonso CARVAJAL ESPINOZA was elected and confirmed as the new Provincial Custos. Friar Pablo Alonso is from Costa Rica. He had been serving as a Pastor in San Salvador, El Salvador.
A few hours later, the members of the new Custodial Definitor were elected and confirmed by the Minister General and the Minister Provincial. They are: Friars Erick MARÍN CARBALLO (Vicar Custos); Ronaldo Francisco CRUZ GONZÁLEZ (Custodial Secretary); Jorge E. BARILLAS RODRÍGUEZ, (Custodial Definitor); and Isidoro de Jesús MEJÍA HERNÁNDEZ (Custodial Definitor). All are serving their first term.
The Capitulars fraternally thanked the outgoing Custos, Friar Jorge Arturo DOBLES ULLOA and his Definitory for their valuable service over the last four years. The work they did helped launch the newly erected Custody. Today, with the grace of God, the Custody continues to grow, thanks to the work and witness of the friars, and the support and prayers of the People of God in Central America.
In the days that followed, the new Custos, Friar Pablo Alonso, presided over the Chapter. The Capitulars examined and approved various Motions concerning fraternal life, initial and continuing formation, the health of the friars, educational pastoral projects, mission and apostolic works, and the administration of temporal assets. At the same time, the Guardians of the fraternities were approved and sworn in.
Each day began with Mass and Morning Prayer celebrated with the local community of faithful. Afterwards, the friars continued with other moments of liturgical and devotional prayer, in addition to carrying out the work of the Chapter.
This grace-filled event included time for peaceful, spontaneous fraternity and time to reflect on the life of the Church and the social reality in Central America, which is characterized by social and political uncertainty, migration, and a Church alive with hope and youthful energy.
The Chapter concluded on Friday afternoon, December 5. The Capitulars prayed the Office of the Dead to commemorate their deceased confreres. They also recited the Te Deum in thanksgiving for having successfully completed both parts of the 3rd Ordinary Custodial Chapter. Finally, the friars enjoyed a festive dinner together, at which time they expressed: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Ps 133).
Provincial Custody of Mary, Mother of Mercy in Central America
