On January 22-26, 2024, the annual Ordinary Assembly of the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC) took place at the San Antonio de Padua Friary in Bogota, Colombia.
His Eminence, Cardinal Luis José RUEDA APARICIO, Archbishop of Bogotá and President of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia, opened the Assembly. In an atmosphere of fraternal dialogue, the cardinal talked about the challenges posed by the proliferation of armed conflicts around the world, the acceleration of climate change, the convulsive political situations, the fragility of the world economy, and the increase in world hunger. He also talked about the challenges posed by technological advances such as artificial intelligence and by the worrying undervaluation of human life. These realities present various challenges to the Church in which the Franciscans, due to their charismatic identity, have much to offer.
The Minister General, Friar Carlos Alberto TROVARELLI, was present for the entire Assembly. He spoke, urging the friars to live the essential elements of our charismatic identity, taking care to make their formation journey a voyage of humanization, transparency and configuration to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO, the Procurator General, was also present. He gave an update on the juridical and canonical elements needed to proceed correctly, and with fraternal charity, in the official matters that Ministers Provincial and Custodes have to deal with in their service.
Friar Rogério PEREIRA spoke about the primacy of the life of faith and the experience of one’s encounter with the Lord. He mentioned how fraternity helps nurture a capacity for storytelling, how it fosters a mature openness to communicate life and to strengthen communities of faith on the path of redemption and conversion.
Friar Gilberto DE JESUS RODRIGUES, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Maximilian Kolbe in Brazil, gave a presentation on the missionary reality in the Amazon and the project that his Province is developing to accommodate friars from other Jurisdictions who feel called to live this challenging experience of carrying the Gospel into the rainforests of Brazil.
All of the FALC Federation’s Ministers Provincial, Custodes and Delegates participated in the Assembly, with the exception of Friar Jorge DOBLES ULLOA, the Provincial Custos of the Custody of Mary Mother of Mercy in Central America. He was unable to attend due to personal reasons. Also present was Friar Phillip LEY, Vicar of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation in the USA [OLC].
The Assembly took place in a joyful atmosphere of fraternity and reflection. During the event, the friars discussed the status of each Jurisdiction. More than reviewing statistics, they were presented with hope: the progress, difficulties and challenges of each community.
Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN
