From January 30 to February 3, 2023, the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC) conducted its Annual Assembly. The event took place at the Tupãrenda Retreat Center in Ypacaraí, Paraguay.
The Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI, was present for the entire duration of the Assembly. He led the initial spiritual reflection which was about the need to conform ourselves to the Gospel and to be an authentic missionary fraternity.
In addition to the Latin American Ministers Provincial and Custodes, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Anthony and Bl. James of Strepa in Poland (Cracow), Friar Marian GOŁĄB, and the Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Montserrat in Spain, Friar Juan Antonio ADÁNEZ SILVÁN, also participated.
The formational sessions of the Assembly were led by the Assistant General for the FALC Federation, Friar Rogério PEREIRA XAVIER; the General Delegate for Mission Animation, Friar Dariusz MAZUREK; and the General Delegate for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation, Friar Michael Joseph LASKY (online).
The Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Francis in Brazil, Friar José Hugo da Silva SANTOS and the Custos of the Provincial Custody of Our Lady of Coromoto in Venezuela, Friar Franklin DURÁN ZAMBRANO, also participated online for various reasons. Friar Andrew MARTINEZ of the Provincial Delegation of the Southwest United States and Borderlands, also participated as a guest. The other Ministers Provincial, Custodes and Delegates of the sixteen Conventual Franciscan Jurisdictions participated in person. The meeting took place in a fraternal, festive and spiritual atmosphere.
The Assembly members also actively took part in celebrating thirty years of continuous Conventual Franciscan presence in Paraguay. They visited the three presences of the Delegation (Asunción, Areguá and Guarambaré) to participate in the Mass and the festivities. They also made a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de los Milagros [Our Lady of Miracles] in Caacupé.
During the Assembly, the FALC Federation humbly evaluated its progress and its evangelical responsiveness, accepting its shortcomings, recognizing its victories, promoting, with hope, the life of the charism on the continent, and making a commitment to strengthen the bonds of mutual collaboration in consolidating the existing Jurisdictions.
Friar Mario CASTRO MARTÍNEZ, FALC Secretary
