On July 7 -18, 2025, the 37th Annual UCOB Winter Course in Franciscanism took place at the São Francisco de Assis Post-Novitiate Formation House in Brasilia, Brazil. The course was attended by temporarily professed friars from the different Jurisdictions that make up the Union of Conventual Friars of Brazil (UCOB).
This course is an important formation event that helps young friars grow in the Franciscan charism. During the course, they are invited to reflect on their witness and mission as Friars Minor Conventual.
Around thirty friars attended this year’s event. They came from the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe (Brasilia), the Province of St. Francis of Assisi (São Paulo), the Custody of St. Bonaventure (Maranhão), the Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. (Rio de Janeiro), and the Custody of Our Lady of Coromoto in Venezuela.
The program was full of spirituality and formation. It was focused primarily on Franciscanism. This year’s course placed special emphasis on the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi.
The course was organized by the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Brazil. On July 7-9, a symposium was held featuring reflections and thematic insights. The course continued through July 18, with a series of lectures, group sharing, and events centered on the charism and life of St. Francis.
The topics covered included:
- July 9-10: The Oxford School: Roger Bacon, led by Professor Marcos Aurélio FERNANDES
- July 11-14: The History of the Franciscan Presence in Latin America, led by Friar Sandro Roberto DA COSTA, OFM, and Friar Antonio QUICENO COSSIO, OFM Conv.
- July 15-16: The Teaching Ministry of St. Anthony and His Contribution to Franciscanism, led by Father Charles MAGALHÃES SALES, Franciscan Missionary Friars
- July 16-17: The Thought of Ramon Llull, with Professor Saulo FERNANDES BRITO
The morning of July 18 was dedicated to evaluation and the conclusion of the course.
Friar Gilberto DE JESUS RODRIGUES,
Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Brazil
