On May 3-5, 2024, a national meeting of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) and Franciscan Youth (YouFra) of Chile took place at the La Verna Retreat Center in San Francisco de Mostazal, Chile. The meeting was held to commemorate the 800th anniversary of our seraphic father St. Francis receiving the stigmata.
Friar Claudio PUMARINO, OFM, gave a presentation on Friar Andrés Antonio María de los Dolores GARCÍA ACOSTA (1800-1853). Born January 10, 1800, in La Ampuyenta, Las Palmas, Spain, “Fray Andresito” was a humble Franciscan servant of the poor. In 1832, he left for South America, as part of the great migratory movement at that time. He was an oblate religious brother: an almoner [one who distributes alms] who received the Franciscan habit and professed his vows on the last day of his life. He suffered many humiliations, but maintained a patient, affable and modest attitude towards everyone, giving good advice, even when he received insults, derision and contempt. Until the end of his life, he was known for his expression: “God be praised,” as well as his simple and short answers.
Friar Jack GINTING, OFM Conv., gave a lecture on: “The Wounds of St. Francis: From Wounds, New Life.” He read various texts on St. Francis of Assisi: Perfect Joy, the Stigmata of St. Francis at La Verna, the Praises of God Most High and A Blessing to Brother Leo. These passages point out the process of transformation that a believer can undergo. They show us ways to heal wounds. They recall the stages that St. Francis passed through, from enduring great temptation, to praising God Most High, to healing the wounds of Brother Leo with his blessing. By reflecting on the meaning of the stigmata, we can celebrate this jubilee year as a time of healing, of renewing one’s life – because only those who are healed, redeemed and saved can heal, redeem and save.
On the last day, Rodolfo OTTO MEDINA gave a presentation on the current status of YouFra, which will hold a national meeting in November of 2024, bringing together members of different youth groups of the Franciscan Family in Chile.
One hundred and twenty-five participants attended this current National Meeting of the OFS and YouFra, including several regional and local Spiritual Assistants, under the guidance of the national Spiritual Assistants, namely, Friar Raúl ALLIMANT, OFM; Friar Héctor VALDEZ, OFM Cap.; and Friar Jack GINTING, OFM Conv. The OFM Minister Provincial for Chile, Friar Carlos PAZ, presided over the concluding Mass. The meeting took place in an atmosphere of simplicity and joy and was conducted in a spirit of fraternity and prayer. After the meeting, the friars went back, refreshed, to their respective fraternities and families.
Friar Jack GINTING
