On October 21-24, 2019, the friars of the Delegation in Chile held a meeting under the theme, “Looking to the Future”. The meeting took place in Curicó, Chile.

The friars of Copiapó, Chile, traveled almost 1,200 kilometers [745 miles] to attend this event. However, they arrived late due to a “state of emergency” that was caused by violent protests almost everywhere in Chile.
Nevertheless, all the friars of the Delegation participated in the meeting. Others present included Friar Roberto BRANDINELLI, the Vicar Provincial of the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua (Northern Italy); Friar Giancarlo CAPITANIO, the Provincial Econom from the same Province; and Friar Giovanni VOLTAN, the Assistant General for the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP).
The meeting began with personal consultations with Friar Roberto, at the country house of a man named Pasqual, a friend of the friars of Curicó. The following day, Friar Maurizio BRIDIO conducted a small spiritual retreat and Eucharistic Adoration, in order engage in personal renewal and to enter into the theme of the Delegation’s meeting. On the third day, Friar Roberto led the friars in an evaluation of the Delegation’s progress in recent years and helped shed light on steps to be taken for the future.
During Mass on the last day, the friars renewed their vows into the hands of the Provincial Vicar, as a sign of fidelity to the call they received from the Lord to follow him in this mission territory.
The meeting was a very meaningful experience and was carried out in an atmosphere of simplicity and fraternal joy. It helped the friars look to the future, filled with faith and hope.

Friar Jack GINTING.