The Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico has always celebrated elective Chapters with all of its confreres participating. However, it was decided that the 4th Ordinary Provincial Chapter, scheduled for July 7-11, 2025, will be attended by Delegates.
For this purpose, and with the aim of getting more familiar with this “new” modality, the Province held its first Pre-Chapter Assembly. The event took place on April 22-24, 2025, at the María Inmaculada Friary in Cuautitlán Izcalli, State of Mexico, Mexico. In the annual Provincial calendar, these dates had been reserved for the Easter Provincial Fraternal Gathering. However, it was deemed appropriate to conduct the pre-Chapter Assembly at that time instead, because it would have been difficult to gather all the confreres at other times. Most of the friars were able to participate in the Assembly. That included all the friars residing in Mexico and two who reside in Texas (USA). The rest were unable to attend due to justifiable reasons.
The Pre-Chapter Assembly was conducted following this sequence: After a personal greeting and Easter congratulations among the friars, the gathering began with a moment of Eucharistic Adoration. Next, the report of the Minister Provincial, Friar Mario CASTRO MARTÍNEZ, was presented in the Chapter Hall, followed by reports from the various Provincial commissions, works and services. After the reports, questions were taken for clarification.
Having thus evaluated the path of the Province over the last four years, the friars elected the Delegates to the Chapter. Since this was a new process, the procedure had to be explained more than once, but eventually it became clear to all and the election proceeded successfully.
Next, a survey was conducted among the friars to identify potential candidates who could fill the roles in the new government of the Jurisdiction, namely, the Minister Provincial, the Vicar Provincial, the Provincial Secretary, and the Econom, Definitors and Guardians. Once all pre-Chapter tasks were completed, the Assembly came to a close.
It is worth noting that, although the event did not fully serve as the fraternal gathering that had been scheduled on the calendar, there were nevertheless meaningful moments of fellowship and healthy recreation incorporated throughout the Assembly.
We ask the Lord to guide us with His Spirit so that we may discern well and make the best decisions at the upcoming Ordinary Provincial Chapter.
Friar Jorge HERNÁNDEZ DE LUNA
