On February 6-20, 2022, the Assistant General for the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC), Friar Rogério PEREIRA XAVIER, made a canonical visitation to the Provincial Custody of St. Bonaventure in Brazil. The visitation was conducted in preparation for the Custody’s upcoming Ordinary Chapter. The first part of the Custodial Chapter will take place July 11-15, 2022. The second part is scheduled for September 19-23, 2022.
On February 6-8, Friar Rogério began his visitation at the João Duns Scoto Friary in Fortaleza, Ceará State. On February 9-10, he visited the Santa Clara Friary in Teresina, the capital of Piauí State. On February 11-12, he visited the São Francisco de Assis Friary in Bom Jardim, Maranhão State. On February 14-15, he visited the São Francisco de Assis Friary in São Luís, the capital of Maranhão State. On February 16-17, he visited the Santo Antônio de Pádua Friary in the Cohajap District of the city of São Luís. Finally, on February 20, Friar Rogério visited the Menino Jesus de Praga Friary in the Cohama District of São Luís.
The Custody took advantage of the Assistant General’s presence and had him lead a retreat in preparation for Easter. The retreat was on the theme of itinerancy and was held on February 21-24 at the Oasis Retreat House in São Luís.
The retreat served as a time for community reflection on the upcoming Easter season, as well as, reflection on the upcoming custodial Chapter. There was plenty of time for the friars to share their experiences of the Gospel, personal and community life, and the various activities they carry out in their communities and parishes.
Events during the retreat included beautiful moments of prayer, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, praying the Franciscan Crown and participating in moments of silence and personal meditation.
Friar Rogério talked about the importance of geographic itinerancy and especially existential itinerancy, for the human and spiritual growth of the entire custodial community. He stressed that there was a positive side to the discomfort, challenges, obstacles and annoyances that come with itinerant life, namely, the possibility for maturation and personal growth.
Friar Roberto Honorato OLIVEIRA DOS REMÉDIOS, Custodial Secretary
