Every moment of our lives is an opportunity for grace. However, there are moments when this grace manifests itself in a particularly eloquent way. During 2025, the universal Church has been celebrating a Jubilee Year; our Order of Friars Minor Conventual has conducted its 203rd General Chapter and the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico has celebrated its 4th Elective Provincial Chapter―another special time of grace.
The Chapter proceedings began with a Pre-Chapter Assembly, held April 22-24, 2025. This was followed by the Ordinary Provincial Chapter on July 7-11. Forty-seven friars participated, including the Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI, and special guest Friar Felipe (Phillip) LEY of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation in the USA [OLC]. Two friars participated online: Friar Guillermo AGUILAR ALAMILLA, who was unable to travel to Mexico, and Friar Gilson Miguel NUNES, who gave the report on his general canonical visitation.
The work of the Chapter was carried out in an atmosphere of fraternity and goodwill. There was also some natural uncertainty about the election of the new Minister Provincial. The Capitulars willingly welcomed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Chapter activities were organized and the schedule of sessions was defined. Next, the scheduled reports were made. These included the report of the General Canonical Visitator; the Minister Provincial, Friar Mario CASTRO MARTÍNEZ; the Commission for Continuing Formation; the Commission for Initial Formation; and the financial report. The Capitulars had already reviewed the other reports that had been made during the Pre-Chapter Assembly.
Based on the shared content, the Capitulars worked in groups to reflect on various aspects of Provincial life. Each group had a secretary in charge of collecting observations, and at the end of this phase, the information was consolidated with the help of the Chapter Secretary, Friar Jesús Manuel RODRÍGUEZ MORALES. This work was of great importance, as it formed the basis for the projects and priorities for the next four years.
On the fourth day of the Chapter (third session), Friar José Luis SOLÍS ALCÁNTAR was elected Minister Provincial. He had previously served as the last Custos of Mexico before the Jurisdiction was erected as a Province.
On the final day of the Chapter, the members of the Provincial Definitory were proposed and elected. They are: Friar Rubén MARTÍNEZ HERNÁNDEZ, Vicar Provincial; Friar Julio RODRÍGUEZ PÉREZ, Provincial Secretary; Friars Noé CHÁVEZ RAMÍREZ and Friar César ORTÍZ GONZÁLEZ, Definitors.
The date for the second part of the Chapter has been set for August 4-8, 2025. After the Vicar Provincial made his profession of faith, and the other Definitors swore their oath of office, the Minister General conferred his blessing upon the assembly, thus concluding the first part of the Provincial Chapter.
As we await the second part, let us pray that the Lord may make each friar receptive to fulfilling His will.
Friar Jorge HERNÁNDEZ DE LUNA
