On November 25-29, 2019, the friars of the Provincial Custody of St. Bonaventure in Brazil gathered to study, pray and spend some fraternal time together at the Menino Jesus de Praga [Child Jesus of Prague] Friary in São Luis, Maranhão State, Brazil.

The basic goal of ongoing formation is to renew of the evangelical life of the friars and the Order, in order to be better conformed to Christ and to respond to today’s challenges with creativity and courage, while being open to the demands of the Spirit.
A rewarding lecture was presented on the theme: “The Meaning of Life as a Factor in Protecting Mental Health.” It stressed that everyone needs to integrate all of their personal dimensions into a holistic vision, to create a quality environment for the people of God and for fraternal life.
At the end of the formation session, the friars relocated to an area suitable for fraternal recreation and leisure time; a place where they could discuss, play and smile.
During the same week, the Custodial Definitory met to discuss matters involving the Custody, including the approval of some petitions for asking admittance to the novitiate in 2020. The postulants Lucas SILVA, Rogerio BARBOSA and Henrique DOS SANTOS have been approved to enter the novitiate. Best wishes to them for a novitiate year full of God’s presence and the blessings of our Father St. Francis.

Friar Roberto Honorato Oliveira DOS REMÉDIOS, Custodial Secretary