On Sunday, October 27, 2024, a Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated in Santo André, Brazil, to mark seventy-five years of Conventual Franciscan presence in Brazil. This presence eventually became the current Province of St. Francis of Assisi.
Those attending included friars from various friaries in the Province, namely, the friaries in São Paulo, Paraná and Bahia; representatives from other Jurisdictions; and, in particular, the Minister General, Friar Carlos Alberto TROVARELLI, who took part in this significant anniversary and presided over the Mass.
This event honored the rich history of the Franciscan mission in Brazil. The faithful joined the friars in prayer and several individuals were recognized who contributed to the Province through their professional and faith lives.
The anniversary was time of deep spirituality, thanksgiving and reflection on memories from the last seventy-five years. After the Mass, everyone was invited to gather in the courtyard of the Senhor do Bonfim Shrine in Santo André. It was a joyous and fraternal event, in which friends, family and faithful celebrated this important journey together, strengthening fraternal bonds.
An e-book is available in Portuguese that describes this 75-year journey:
https://www.franciscanosconventuais.org.br/institucional/o-caminho-dos-75-anos/.
Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Brazil
