From August 18 to 23, 2026, Miquel BORDAS PRÓSZYŃSKI, International President of the Militia of the Immaculata (M.I.), and Friar Gilson Miguel NUNES, Delegate of the International Assistant of the M.I., visited M.I. communities in Brazil and participated in the Third National Elective Assembly. The Assembly was held August 21–23 at Jardim da Imaculada, the national headquarters of the M.I. in Brazil, in Cidade Ocidental, near Brasília.
The visitors first stopped at São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, where they visited the M.I. Regional Center and Rede Imaculada de Comunicação (Immaculata Communication Network). The visit took place a few days before the Provincial Chapter, which would unify the Province of St. Francis in Brazil (São Paulo) and the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), creating the new Province of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil. The visitors then traveled to the Jardim da Imaculada Friary in Cidade Ocidental, near Brasília, where they participated in the Third National Elective Assembly of the M.I. in Brazil.
While in São Bernardo do Campo, they celebrated Mass in the oratory of the Regional Center, with Friar Gilson Miguel presiding. The Conventual Franciscan friars serving on the board of directors of Rede Imaculada de Comunicação concelebrated. After Mass, the visitors spent time in fraternal conversation with the leaders of the network. Miquel and Friar Gilson then participated in the program “Em Sintonia,” [a radio/TV program of Rede Imaculada de Comunicação], in the segment “Encounter with Mary.” Their visit strengthened the bonds between the international M.I. and the M.I. in Brazil. Moreover, it renewed their commitment to the ideal of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe: to place one’s life and all available resources at the service of evangelization and the mission of bringing the love of the Immaculata to all souls.
On August 19, the visitors traveled to Brasília. The next day, at the Provincial Curia, Miquel BORDAS met with the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Brazil (Brasília), Friar Gilberto DE JESUS RODRIGUES. He also visited the local Basilica of São Francisco.
On August 21–23, more than thirty delegates from across Brazil, including Amazonas, gathered for the Third National Assembly of the M.I. The gathering focused on prayer, fraternity, listening, evaluation, and discernment concerning the journey of the M.I. in Brazil. The goal of the Assembly was to assess the 2022–2026 four-year period, gain a better understanding of the various M.I. communities across the country, identify the challenges and priorities for the next four years, and elect the new National Council.
During the Assembly, representatives shared the experiences of M.I. groups across the country, highlighting the richness and diversity of the M.I. in Brazil. They emphasized the need to strengthen formation, organization, communication, and support for local communities. The report on the 2022–2026 period highlighted, among other achievements, the growth of M.I. groups, an increase in consecrations to the Immaculata, missionary expansion, formation programs, retreats, vigils, visits to families, work with children and youth, and the growing presence of the M.I. in the media. At the same time, several challenges were identified regarding communication, formation, the accompaniment of members, organization, and the sustainability of the M.I.
On August 22, in an atmosphere of prayer and discernment, the members of the new National Council for the 2026–2030 term were elected. They are: Verônica FERREIRA DE SOUZA (National President); Thiago BALBY (National Vice President); Taiane MENESES (National Secretary); and Sandra MACHADO, Paulinele TEIXEIRA, and Geny CRUZ (Councilors). The members of the Board of Auditors were also elected. They are: Luzinete FERREIRA, Maria GORETHE, and Conceição de María BEZERRA. Friar Jorge CAMPELO DE ALBUQUERQUE E MELO, OFM Conv., continues to serve as National Assistant of the M.I. in Brazil.
The Assembly concluded on August 23 with the celebration of Mass presided over by Friar Gilson Miguel NUNES, followed by a tour of the various facilities at Jardim da Imaculada. The participants entrusted the new four-year term, together with the proposals that emerged from the Assembly, to the Immaculata. These proposals included strengthening unity and communication, promoting formation, focusing on young people, supporting the various M.I. regions, and renewing missionary outreach in Amazonas.
The Third National Assembly was thus a time of renewal in the communion and missionary commitment of the Militia of the Immaculate in Brazil. The participants returned to their respective communities with the desire to continue advancing the mission, fostering greater unity and collaboration among the diverse expressions of the M.I. throughout Brazil, and remaining faithful to the charism of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe.
Miquel BORDAS PRÓSZYŃSKI / Verônica FERREIRA DE SOUZA
