On April 30 to May 4, 2025, the 12th Annual Latin American Congress of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) and Franciscan Youth (YouFra) was held in Bogotá, Colombia. This was the second Congress that involved all of Central and South America. The theme of the Congress was “Somos Hermanos y Hermanas en el Corazón de la Madre Tierra” (We Are Brothers and Sisters in the Heart of Mother Earth).
Following registration on Wednesday, April 30, at 8:00 a.m., the participants gathered at an 18th -century church in Bogotá known as the “Church of the Stigmata” or “Church of the Third Order.” It is historically connected to the current OFS and is where OFM friars celebrate daily Mass.
Next, the participants moved to the Buenos Aires Retreat Center run by the Vicentine Fathers in Chinauta, Cundinamarca Department, Colombia. The OFM Minister Provincial, Friar José Alirio URBINA RODRÍGUEZ, presided over the opening Mass.
On Thursday, May 1, after a review of the previous Congress, focus shifted to the central theme: “Centenary 2025: The Canticle of the Creatures.” On May 1-3, this theme—with its significance for the wider Franciscan Family and its challenges for today’s society—was explored in four lectures given by biologist Mayara Ingrid LIMA SOUZA, OFS. The results of the group discussions, especially regarding practical implications for OFS and YouFra, were compiled into a final document and approved by vote during the Saturday, May 3rd session at 5:00 p.m.
The Congress was characterized by intensive work, fraternal discussion, planning and great joy. Every evening at 8:00 p.m., participants enjoyed moments of fellowship led in turn by representatives of each national fraternity. On Saturday evening, the Colombian national fraternity hosted a cultural celebration featuring traditional music and dance.
The presence and contribution of twenty-five participating YouFra members were much appreciated.
There were a total of ninety-two participants from fifteen Central and South American countries, plus two participants from Spain, and eleven Spiritual Assistants. On Sunday, May 4, at 6:00 a.m., the group returned to Bogotá. At 9:30 a.m., a closing Mass was held at the previously mentioned OFS church, presided over by the Most Reverend Edwin Raúl VANEGAS CUERVO, Auxiliary Bishop of Bogotá, Colombia. After the Mass, the Congress’s final document was read aloud, and the OFS Minister General, Tibor KAUSER, officially declared the 12th Annual Latin American Congress closed.
After a brief visit to the historic city center and lunch at the headquarters of the local OFS fraternity in Bogotá, the participants remained in an atmosphere of joy and fraternity as they awaited their departures later that evening.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI
