On June 13, 14 and 16, 2024, the friars of the San Antonio de Padua Friary and Post-novitiate in Bogotá DC, Colombia, celebrated their 30th anniversary of presence and service at the local Parish of San Luis de Tolosa. The friary and church are located in Bogotá’s Antonio de Padua Norte neighborhood.
His Eminence Cardinal Luis José RUEDA APARICIO attended the celebration along with some of the Guardians who succeeded each other during these thirty years of Franciscan presence, namely, Friars Rafael José GARAVITO PÉREZ (Custodial Vicar); Jorge Emilio PATERNINA GONZÁLEZ; Otoniel de Jesús SALCEDO BARRIOS; Fabián A. MARTÍNEZ ARAQUE (Custodial Exactor); and Jair del Cristo CONTRERAS LÁZARO (Custodial Secretary and Rector of the Post-Novitiate). Friars from other friaries in the Provincial Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia were also present.
The celebration began on June 13, with solemn Mass on the feast of St. Anthony of Padua. Various Guardians who guided the mission and pastoral and formational ministries at the friary were present. The Custodial Vicar, Friar Rafael José GARAVITO PÉREZ, presided over the Mass. During the Mass, he recalled the first Guardian of the friary, Friar Antonino JARABO MUÑOZ of happy memory. Others present included the current friars residing at the friary and the members of some other local religious communities. This celebration was an important time to recognize each of the friars who served this formation house and to thank them for their work. It was also a time to recognize the effort and dedication of the entire community of lay faithful and acknowledge their selfless commitment, generosity, affection and deep affinity towards our Conventual fraternity. The Custodial Vicar urged everyone to contemplate St. Anthony of Padua, the saint who, with his Franciscan, evangelical and ecclesial lifestyle, placed Christ at the center of his life and missionary zeal.
The following day, June 14, Cardinal RUEDA APARICIO presided over a solemn Mass honoring St. Anthony of Padua. Those attending included the entire Conventual Franciscan fraternity, some members of other fraternities, lay persons from the St. Anthony Chapel and the various pastoral communities belonging to the Parish of San Luis de Tolosa. The Cardinal, showing great pastoral charisma, urged the whole community to recognize wisdom, service and mission as determining values in being Christians who walk together in the light of the Gospel. The Gospel was the center and driving force of the life of St. Anthony of Padua. Afterwards, there was a warm, fraternal gathering within the friary, which fostered the discussion, encounter and joy so characteristic of Conventual Franciscan life.
Finally, on June 16, the commemoration of St. Anthony of Padua and the 30th anniversary of Conventual Franciscan presence concluded with an important event that has become a tradition, namely, the “Bingo Bazaar” (bingo and flea market). Over the years, it has become a time of sharing and conviviality with all of the members of the lay community at the Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua and the Parish of St. Louis of Toulouse. This event helped cover part of the expenses of our friars in formation. It is a reflection of a joyful and giving community, a community that is affectionate and has a profound sense of sharing in the work of the Order. This event is made possible each year by the generosity of the people and pastoral groups who make our charism vibrant and attractive amid the diverse contexts and challenges of our Colombian society.
Friar David de Jesús VELASQUEZ CARDONA
