From May 30 to June 1, 2022, the friars of the Provincial Delegation in Chile conducted a fraternal meeting at the Friary in Curicó. The meeting included periods of prayer, fraternity and discussion about the life of the Delegation and its future.
The meeting began at noon on Monday, May 30, with Mass presided over by the Provincial Delegate, Friar Tullio PASTORELLI. After lunch, there was an afternoon of reflection and prayer, led by Friar Fabio MAZZINI, on the theme “The Holy Spirit Will Teach You Everything.” The reflection was followed by Eucharistic Adoration and the recitation of Evening Prayer. In the fraternal period during and after dinner, the friars discussed the relocation of the friars following the closure of the friary in Copiapó. They also talked about some painful and joyful events that occurred in Conventual life in recent months.
On Tuesday, May 31, Friar Maurizio BRIDIO shared his thoughts on the fraternal life. That morning, the friars discussed topics regarding the ordinary life of the Delegation, namely, youth and vocation ministry; the importance of having a website and being on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) for the purposes of pastoral youth ministry; the formation week to be held at the end of August, 2022; and the visit from two post-novices who will be undertaking a missionary experience during Chile’s winter season. The friars also discussed the status of some young men in formation, in particular, Friar Benjamín CASTRO HERRERA who made his simple profession on January 21, 2022, and Friar Augusto Esteban URZÚA GONZÁLES who, God willing, will make his solemn profession on September 3, 2022. Currently, both friars are studying at the Sant’Antonio Dottore Theological Institute in Padua, Italy.
The friars held a session on Tuesday afternoon and another on Wednesday morning, to review the 2022-25 Delegation Guidelines. The dialogue, discussion and debate at both sessions were very useful to the Delegation, especially since some new situations had arisen, which involved projects that required some “rethinking.” Being able to express and share personal opinions, freely and peacefully, was an important part of this meeting. Despite outside winter temperatures as cold as -4°C. [25°F.], the meeting was conducted in a good, fraternal atmosphere. The friars appreciated the spiritual aspects of the meeting, too, such as the daily liturgies. Naturally, everyone also enjoyed the intense and simple experience of welcome and fraternity during this event.
Friar Tullio PASTORELLI
