On September 23-27, 2024, the Presidents/Delegates of the Formation Commissions of the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC) conducted their ordinary meeting for communion and formation planning in the Federation. The meeting took place in Saldán, Córdoba Province, Argentina.
The meeting was enjoyable from the moment the friars arrived, thanks to the generous and fraternal spirit of the good confreres who were in charge of hospitality, namely, Friar Mario D. CORREA, the postulant Pablo LOWER and the Director of the Saldán Retreat Center, Alejandro MALDONADO. The meeting was hosted by the “Rioplatense” Province of St. Anthony of Padua in Argentina-Uruguay. Special thanks to the Minister Provincial, Friar Javier A. FONTANA and his Definitory for their assistance.
The meeting aimed primarily at examining the state of formation within the FALC Federation, enabling the participants to share insights that could help them plan for the future and establish cooperative links for common formation. Secondly, the meeting sought to highlight needs and challenges in the field of formation and determine what improvements the Federation could offer, including submitting specific proposals to the Ministers Provincial of the Federation to improve the formation processes. Thirdly, the meeting aimed at revitalizing the initiative for promoting formation within the Federation through coordinated efforts and the creation of a work plan for the next three years. Lastly, it provided an opportunity for the participants to meet and share experiences, fostering an ideal environment for their continuing formation.
To achieve these objectives and develop the meeting program, Friar Marcio R. MATUTE BERDE, the coordinator and facilitator of formation within the Federation, in collaboration with the FALC President, Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN, prepared the logistics prior to the meeting and facilitated the event.
Using the methodologies of “See, Judge, Act” and “Conversation in the Spirit,” the friars proceeded to develop the meeting program and achieve its objectives. Friar Sidifredo helped to focus on the desired goals. Friar Rogério PEREIRA XAVIER, the FALC Assistant General, attended online to greet the friars and to offer them precise guidance regarding the transmission of the charism in initial formation and the need to revitalize the friars’ continuing formation.
The solemn liturgy, the well-planned pilgrimage to the city of Villa Cura Brochero and the visit to downtown Cordoba, all contributed to creating a good spiritual and fraternal climate. The friars returned to their homes more aware of their mission and the need to work together. They were also mindful of their obligation to communicate the results of the meeting to the Ministers Provincial, formators and Jurisdictions who were unable to attend. Thanks to all the participants, their Ministers Provincial and other collaborators who made this timely formation meeting possible.
Friar Marcio R. MATUTE BERDE, FALC Formation Secretary
