From June 29 to July 3, 2026, the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Brazil (Brasilia) held a meeting of its guardians, pastors, formators, and directors of Provincial works. The event took place at the Franciscan Center for Evangelization and Culture (CFEC) in Brasilia. Thirty friars participated.
As part of the Province’s continuing formation program and for the benefit of its Conventual communities and Provincial institutions, the meeting gave the friars an opportunity to reflect on and discuss the service of authority they exercise in the various ministries entrusted to them. The meeting was held in accordance with the Constitutions, No. 57, §3, which states: “In order to deepen their fraternal spirit, the friars are to cooperate in discerning the will of God by means of prayer; evaluation of the changes occurring in the Church, in the Order, and in society; and attention to the signs of the times.”
The Assistant General of the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC), Friar Rogério PEREIRA XAVIER, delivered the opening presentation on “The Profile of Guardians According to the Constitutions.”
Next, psychologist Érica RODRIGUES spoke about psychological well-being, focusing especially on emotional and personal maturity in the exercise of authority.
The Most Reverend Nereudo FREIRE HENRIQUE, Auxiliary Bishop of Olinda and Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, gave the third presentation on ecclesiastical administration. The participants also discussed various aspects of the life of the Province.
The meeting also strengthened fraternal communion among the participating friars. Although engaged in different ministries, they shared their experiences of community life and mission, renewing their enthusiasm for following the Gospel. The celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of our Seraphic Father rekindled the charism that unites them in their Franciscan vocation. The meeting gave the Province’s guardians, pastors, formators, and directors of Provincial works an opportunity to remember this gift and renew their commitment to living out the charism of the Order.
Under the leadership of the Minister Provincial, Friar Gilberto DE JESUS RODRIGUES, the Province continues to promote opportunities for continuing formation and fraternal communion, strengthening the friars’ ministry in the communities, parishes, and works entrusted to the Order.
Friar Marcelo BORGES DA SILVA
