On May 28-30, 2018, friars from the Delegation’s three communities met together in Copiapó, Chile. The meeting was characterized by a fraternal and joyful atmosphere.
On the first day, the friars discussed their personal experience of the first months since the implementation of changes made at the beginning of the four-year term. On the second day, they reflected on a report by Friar Christian BORGHESI on the status of the Conventual presence in the Delegation’s Mother Province, the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua (Northern Italy). Friar Christian had prepared this report for a meeting of the guardians of that Province. His presentation was expanded with data from the Federación Conventuales America Latina (FALC) and the Order, thus giving the friars a global and accurate understanding of the present, with an eye toward the future. The friars discussed ideas and concerns in a serene and hopeful atmosphere. They were mindful, in any event, that the Delegation’s status was becoming increasingly complex.
The last day was dedicated to various news items about “Conferre” (a conference of men and women religious), the Franciscan Family / the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), Youth and Vocation Ministry, etc.
In the final review, everyone agreed that these meetings are always positive and help to strengthen fraternal relations among the friars of the Delegation, just as Psalm 133 says: “How good and how pleasant it is, when brothers dwell together as one!”.
Friar Jack GINTING
