From July 8 to 19, 2019, the Union of the Conventuals of Brazil (UCOB) offered its 32nd winter course in Franciscanism. The course took place at the St. Francis Formation House in Brasilia, Brazil.
Thirty post-novice friars from the Jurisdictions of Brazil participated, along with the formators Friar Felipe MARQUES and Friar Carlos QUEIROZ.
As the course got underway, a Franciscan symposium was held to commemorate the meeting of St. Francis of Assisi with the Sultan of Egypt.
This year, the friars were able to learn more about the Franciscan minority of St. Bonaventure, as taught by Friar Elio ROJAS, OFM Conv., of the “Rioplatense” Province of St. Anthony of Padua in Argentina and Uruguay. In the second week, the philosophy and theology of the Franciscan school of thought was discussed, in particular that of Blessed Duns Scotus, as presented by Friar Sinivaldo TAVARES, OFM. As the course ended, Friar Mauro STRABELLI, OFM Cap., provided a deeper understanding of the theme of the Word of God in the life of St. Francis.
Of note was the participation by all three Franciscan families and the richness of the content that was presented.
The course was a time of study, prayer, relationship, fraternity and interculturality, as well as an opportunity to share in the diversity of Brazilian culture and ecclesiology.
We wish to thank the General Curia for its generous help.
Friar Felipe MARQUES, OFM Conv., Coordinator for the UCOB
