On July 8-10, 2024, the Union of Conventual Franciscans of Brazil (UCOB) conducted its 4th Annual Franciscan Symposium. This year’s event was entitled: “800 Years of the Stigmata of St. Francis.” It focused on the origin of the Franciscans and their missionary activities. The symposium was held at the São Boaventura Institute in Brasilia, Brazil.
Many friars from different Jurisdictions attended this event in order to deepen their understanding of Franciscan spirituality. On the first day, Friar Gilberto DE JESUS RODRIGUES, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Brazil, gave the opening address. He stressed that it was also the 50th anniversary of the foundation of his Province, an important milestone for his Jurisdiction. He then presented a touching hymn that had been specially written to commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis receiving the stigmata. The composer was Carlos BLOCH, a lay member of the faithful. Next, Friar Dariusz MAZUREK gave a lecture on “Franciscan Missionary Activities.” He stressed the importance of mission and Franciscan spirituality in the world today, and invited those present to reflect on their role as missionaries.
On the second day of the symposium, Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK gave a lecture entitled: “Studies on the Origin of the Minorites and Franciscan Formation.” The meeting that day was moderated by Professor Friar Víctor Manuel MORA MESÉN, with Friar João BATISTA translating. Friar Piotr STANISŁAWCZYK gave another lecture on the challenges of Franciscan formation and the ways it is offered. He provoked an interesting reflection among those attending, namely, a group comprised of friars in formation, postulants, Secular Franciscan men and women and local faithful. Their discussion explored the human and spiritual dimensions of formation, underscoring the need for an integrated and updated approach to address contemporary challenges.
On the third and final day, Friar Almir GUIMARÃES, OFM, gave a very interesting lecture on “The Spirituality of the Stigmata,” which was focused on the central theme of the symposium. He led the participants in a deep reflection on the importance of the stigmata in fraternal life and in the journey of God’s people. He stressed the inner dimension of the human person and the centrality of Jesus Christ, poor, humble and crucified as the inspiration of Franciscan life.
At the end of the morning session, the participants had the opportunity to talk with Friar Almir, in order to clarify any questions or learn more about the topic he presented. The event concluded with a performance of the Hymn of the Stigmata of St. Francis. It was a festive moment that united all those present around Franciscan spirituality.
Friar Luan de Souza MATOS
