On March 5-6, 2024, a joint meeting of the formators of the Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Brazil and the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Brazil took place at the São Boaventura Friary and Formation House in Petrópolis, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
On the first day, the Provincial Custos of the Provincial Custody of Our Lady of Coromoto in Venezuela, Friar Franklin Antonio DURÁN ZAMBRANO, addressed the friars. He gave a generous reflection on the theme of Franciscan discipleship. After his lecture, all of the formators had an opportunity to discuss their thoughts about the various stages of formation, from service in vocation ministry to continuing formation.
The second day, March 6, began with Mass at the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Father Ramon NASCAMENTO DA SILVA of the Archdiocese of São Sebastião in Rio de Janeiro presided, together with the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Francis of Assisi in Brazil, Friar José Hugo da Silva SANTOS; and the Custos of the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Brazil, Friar Carlos Roberto de Oliveira CHARLES. Other confreres and aspirants were also present. The meeting lasted until 6:30 p.m. and was held at the São Francisco de Assis Friary in the Rio Comprido neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro.
This event was a wonderful experience of unity between the two Jurisdictions as they reach the next stage on the path toward unification. May God bless the formators for their commitment and dedication in carrying out the work of formation.
Friar Willian Gomes MENDONÇA Custodial Secretary
