On March 2-27, 2020, friars of the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC) met at the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Friary in Alajuela, Costa Rica, to take part in their second novitiate. The second novitiate is a canonical, month-long experience which our confreres in temporary vows undertake in preparation for solemn profession.
Four confreres from four different countries participated: Friars Ramiro MEZA (Bolivia), Alan Adolfo VILELA LÓPEZ (Peru), Miguel Argelio BUSTILLOS PADILLA (Honduras), and Carlos Alberto CATZIN JUÁREZ (Mexico). The event was led, for the most part, by Friar Jorge Arturo DOBLES ULLOA, the Custos of the Provincial Custody of Mary Mother of Mercy in Central America. He was assisted by Friar Marco Vinicio UMAÑA JUÁREZ, the Custodial Secretary. They covered a number of important topics, such as the Christian-Franciscan experience and making a review of one’s life.
The in-depth study of Franciscan spirituality, together with a strong hermitage experience, helped the confreres to fall in love and identify with the Franciscan charism again. The last days of the second novitiate were devoted to study and reflection on the evangelical counsels.
Personal relationship formed the backbone of the meeting. However, equally important aspects of the meeting included discussion, prayer and trips to the city. All of these elements combined helped make this second novitiate an experience loaded with tools, tools that will undoubtedly help the participants make their solemn profession more freely and with greater awareness.
Friar Carlos Alberto CATZIN JUÁREZ