On January 12-18, 2020, the Ordinary Assembly of the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC) was celebrated in the Maria Immaculate Convent in Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico. The Assembly was presided over by Friar Jorge Arturo DOBLES ULLOA. The Assistant General for the FALC, Friar Rogério Pereira XAVIER was present, along with all of the Ministers Provincial, Custodes and Delegates.
The event was characterized by fraternity, work, discussion and prayer. The friars meditated and reflected upon a number of themes and proposals. After reading and approving the minutes of the previous Assembly, Friar Guillermo AGUILAR ALAMILLA (Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico), helped provide an analysis of the historical, social, ecclesial and Provincial reality of Mexico. All of the Jurisdictions discussed the concrete realities they face, including their joys, hopes, pains and difficulties.
On Tuesday morning, Friar Rogério gave an important presentation on the reality of the Order and the style of service of the new General Government. Friar Franklin Antonio DURÁN ZAMBRANO (Provincial Custody of Our Lady of Coromoto in Venezuela) gave an interesting and innovative talk on the formation meeting for Novice Masters and the Rectors of the postulancy programs. That meeting was held September 2-8, 2019, in Mexico. After Friar Franklin’s talk, some formation criteria were approved, which are binding for the Federation.
Other topics were presented including a lecture by Friar Fabián Alberto MARTÍNEZ ARAQUE (Provincial Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia) on vocation promotion in new digital contexts in Latin America. There was a talk on the culture of abuse prevention presented by Friar Antonio Enrique SANDOVAL POVEDA (Provincial Custody of Mary, Mother of Mercy in Central America). Finally, there was a lecture on the leadership of the Major Superior in the current Latin American contexts, presented by psychologists Miguel Ángel MIRANDA URRUTIA and his wife Maria Cristina CASTILLO.
On Thursday after breakfast, the friars made a pilgrimage to the Basilica-Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The friars celebrated Mass and invoked the Blessed Virgin to place the FALC Jurisdictions under her protection. In the afternoon, the friars visited the historic center of Mexico City.
The Assembly ended on Friday afternoon. The day was devoted to dialogue, discussion, learning more about various topics and proposals and initiatives concerning the Federation. In their final evaluation, the friars gave special thanks to the Province of Mexico for its fraternal and generous hospitality.
The friars of the FALC
