From Monday to Friday, April 13-17, 2026, the Guardians and the Government of the “Rioplatense” Province of St. Anthony of Padua in Argentina-Uruguay, and the friars of the Delegation in Chile, met in Santiago, Chile, for a fraternal gathering. The purpose of the gathering was to strengthen communion, foster mutual understanding, and promote collaboration.
The main goal during the week was to reinforce fraternal bonds, with special focus on initial and continuing formation.
On Monday, the program began with a spiritual meditation led by Father Fernando TAPIA, a diocesan priest, who helped the friars focus on minority, according to the spirituality of St. Charles de Foucauld.
On Tuesday, Friar Roberto TOMICHÁ CHARUPÁ, from the Custody of St. Francis in Bolivia, gave a historical overview on the presence of the first friars in Latin America. In the afternoon, the friars held a fraternal discussion online with Friar Rogério PEREIRA XAVIER, the Assistant General for the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC).
Over the next few days, the friars evaluated their fraternal life and various pastoral activities, paying particular attention to vocation and youth ministry. They evaluated initial formation, in particular, the joint postulancy program, which for the past two years has been conducted in Curicó, Chile.
In addition, the participants received a message from the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, who encouraged them to continue walking together in unity and hope. Also during the gathering, they got to visit the friaries of the Delegation in Chile located in Curicó and Angostura, where they spent time in fraternity, prayer, and fellowship.
The gathering helped the friars share their experience of fraternity and community within consecrated life. Thus, they give thanks to the Lord for the gift of fraternity, which knows no borders and continues to build bridges of unity. Peace and All Good!
Friar Javier A. FONTANA, Minister Provincial
