On February 21-26, 2022, just a few days before Lent began, the solemnly professed friars of the Provincial Delegation in Ecuador went on a spiritual retreat at the retreat house of the Salesian Sisters in Ibarra, Ecuador.
On Monday, February 21, the meeting began after a slight delay caused by difficult road conditions and the long journey made by the friars from the San Francisco de Asís Friary in Shushufindi. That afternoon, the friars from the San Antonio de Padua Friary in Santo Domingo also arrived; they had been delayed by a landslide that blocked the road. Friar Jacek LISOWSKI, Delegate in Peru, led the retreat and spoke to the friars about Franciscan issues.
During the retreat, the friars prayed, meditated, celebrated Mass and spent time together. Every day there was the recitation of the Rosary; the Divine Mercy Chaplet; adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; the Via Crucis; and the Franciscan Crown. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was available as well.
Since it was not always possible to meet due to the long distances between the friaries, bad roads and pastoral activities, this retreat was a time of blessing for everyone.
Saturday, February 26, began with Mass followed by the renewal of vows. After breakfast, the friars concluded the retreat and returned to their friaries, grateful to God for the blessings they received.
The friars of the Delegation in Ecuador
