On April 28-30, 2025, a formation course for Spiritual Assistants of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) and Franciscan Youth (YouFra) was hosted by the Conference of Spiritual Assistants (CAS) of the OFS and YouFra of Colombia. The event was held at the Buenos Aires Retreat Center in Chinauta, Cundinamarca Department, Columbia. The Center is run by the Vincentian Fathers.
On Monday, April 28, the participants checked in at 11:00 a.m. Lunch followed . The formation course began at 3:00 p.m. with greetings from Friar Miguel Ángel ESTUPIÑÁN ZAFRA, OFM, President of the CAS of Columbia. After the participants introduced themselves, Friar Elkin Emilio SOSA CORREA, OFM Conv., gave an overview of the status of the OFS and YouFra in Colombia. Mass was celebrated immediately after, at 6:30 p.m. After dinner, the participants gathered at 8:00 p.m. for a fraternal discussion with the three General Spiritual Assistants.
The second day began at 7:00 a.m. with Mass and Morning Prayer. At 9:00 a.m. Friar Pedro ZITHA , the General Spiritual Assistant for the Order of Friars Minor, lectured on: “The Role of the OFS and YouFra Spiritual Assistant.” At 1:00 p.m., Friar Tomas GINGA PANZO, the General Spiritual Assistant for the Capuchin Franciscans, lectured on: “The OFS-YouFra Statutes.” Both lectures were discussed in study groups. At 5:15 p.m., Friar Rodolfo PIÑEROS, the Capuchin Franciscan National Spiritual Assistant, lectured on: “The Regulations of the CAS of Colombia.” This was followed by reports from the abovementioned groups. After Evening Prayer, and dinner at 6:30 p.m., the participants met at 8:00 p.m. for some fraternal recreation. They were joined by the Minister Provincial of the Friars Minor, Friar José Alirio URBINA RODRÍGUEZ.
The final day began at 7:00 a.m. with Morning Prayer. At 9:00 a.m., Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, the Conventual Franciscan General Spiritual Assistant, lectured on: “Collegiality and Koinonia.” The formation course concluded after Mass presided over by the Minister Provincial, Friar José Alirio. Lunch followed.
Twenty-eight friars participated: eighteen Friars Minor, six Conventual Franciscans and four Capuchin Franciscans. There was intensive work done during the course, but there was also collegiality, koinonia [spiritual fellowship] and fraternity.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI
