On January 28, 2026, the members of the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)—solemnly professed friars, simply professed friars, and all the brothers in formation—came together for the joy and grace of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Custody. The commemorative event took place at the São Francisco de Assis Parish Church in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The friars were honored to be joined by His Eminence Cardinal Orani João TEMPESTA, O. Cist., Archbishop of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, together with sixty two other bishops from across Brazil who were attending the 35th Course for Bishops, the traditional annual formation meeting of the Brazilian episcopate.
Adding further splendor to this jubilee were the friars gathered for the Assembly of the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC), the Poor Clares from the Nossa Senhora dos Anjos Monastery; and the São Francisco de Assis Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, all present in a spirit of genuine fraternity and friendship.
At 3:00 p.m., the friars prayed Evening Prayer with His Eminence Cardinal TEMPESTA presiding. He was joined by the Provincial Custos, Friar Carlos Roberto de Oliveira CHARLES, and the Pastor, Friar Ronaldo GOMES DA SILVA.
The Custos warmly welcomed the cardinal and the other bishops as well as the Ministers Provincial, Custodes, and Delegates of the FALC Federation, members of the Secular Franciscan Order, the Poor Clares, and the People of God. He spoke to them all in a deeply meaningful way.
At the end, Cardinal TEMPESTA recited the prayer for plenary indulgence on the occasion of the Franciscan Jubilee Year and imparted a blessing on those present with a relic of St. Francis of Assisi.
Afterward, the friars remained at the São Francisco de Assis Parish Church to celebrate Mass presided over by the Provincial Custos, Friar Carlos. Those concelebrating included the President of the FALC Federation and Provincial Custos of the Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia, Friar Sidifredo de La Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN; the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Francis in Brazil (São Paulo), Friar José Hugo DA SILVA SANTOS; the Pastor, Friar Ronaldo; other Ministers Provincial, Custodes, and Delegates of the FALC Federation, and friars from the Santo Antônio Friary of the Friars Minor Province of the Immaculate Conception in Brazil.
The Mass was animated by the choir of the São Pedro e São Paulo Parish Church. Liturgical service was provided by the friars of the Custody in collaboration with clergy from the Diocese of Valença (State of Rio de Janeiro). The Mass was an intensive time of communion and thanksgiving. United in a single voice, the friars and the People of God gratefully recalled the mission presence of the North American friars, who, with courage and dedication, sowed the seeds of the Gospel in Brazil and Latin America, leaving a legacy of faith and hope for future generations. Driven by missionary zeal and commitment to proclaiming the Kingdom, the friars of the Custody and Latin America gave thanks to God for the great blessings the Custody has received over its eighty-year history. They entrusted the future of the Custody to the Lord, so that it may continue to give witness to the Gospel, in fidelity to the charism of St. Francis and in humble service to the Church and the People of God.
Friar Willian Gomes MENDONÇA
