Every year, the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico conducts a summer refresher course entitled “Philosophy-Theology Week.” The organizers’ intention, as always, is to examine these fields from the Franciscan perspective and to study the great Franciscan authors who have distinguished themselves in these subjects.
Friars at all stages of formation, from postulants to solemnly professed, are invited to participate in the study week. Sometimes nuns are invited, too.
This year’s study week was held July 17-21, 2023, at the “Maria Inmacolada” Friary in Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico. The theme of the course was canon law and was led by Friar Rubén MARTÍNEZ HERNÁNDEZ, a canonist. Friar Rubén focused on the sacraments contained in Book IV of the Code of Canon Law, particularly the Eucharist, Penance and Marriage. The participants reviewed the canons together with the related comments. There was also a question and answer session, which helped clarify many doubts. The lectures were very interesting, although the language was new for some of the friars in initial formation.
Nevertheless, Friar Rubén spoke clearly and fluently, at a level everyone could understand. He admitted that speaking about the law could be heavy-handed, but at no time was this so. These topics were especially helpful for friar priests, since they are subjects they work with every day. Furthermore, the course was a time for some good interaction and conviviality among the friars, considering that the houses of formation were on their vacation break. The participants are expected to deepen their knowledge and apply what they have learned to their personal lives and pastoral work.
Friar Jorge HERNÁNDEZ DE LUNA
