From April 29 to May 2, 2024, the Province of Our Lady of Montserrat in Spain conducted the first part of its 22nd Ordinary Provincial Chapter. The event took place at the San Buenaventura Friary in Madrid.
The Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, presided. He had come directly from presiding over the three ordinary Chapters of the Provinces of Poland. He was accompanied by the Assistant General for the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP), Friar Giovanni VOLTAN. Also present was the Custos of the Provincial Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia, Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN.
On Saturday, April 27, 2024, just prior to the Chapter, the Province celebrated the feast day of its patron saint, Nuestra Señora de Montserrat. Also on that happy day, Friar Alejandro M. ALDAVERO ROMERO, was ordained to the priesthood, along with ten other priests. The ordinations took place at Madrid’s Almudena Cathedral.
The Chapter began with a reflection from Mother Prado GONZÁLEZ HERAS, the Federal Superior of the Augustinian Sisters, a religious family that has carried out a significant renewal in Spain in recent years. The theme of her reflection was the “re-nuevo”- the renewal of religious life.
The first session of the Chapter was conducted in a serene and fraternal atmosphere. The twenty-eight Capitulars worked in groups to evaluate the last four-year term, identify important and decisive issues for the future and compile their findings in a unified document.
Next, the newly reelected Minister Provincial, Friar Juan Antonio ADÁNEZ SILVÁN, introduced the members of his Definitory: Friar Juan CORMENZANA CARPIO (Vicar), Friar Roberto LLORENTE PIZARRO (Secretary), Friar Antonio ROYO TOMÁS (Econom) and Friar Abel GARCÍA-CEZÓN ROLDÁN (Definitor). This is a young Definitory for a Province that is feeling the weight of age, and yet, wants to be courageous in restructuring presences and in daring to try something new. In fact, among the new proposals being discussed is the creation of a stable and international presence along the very popular Way of St. James pilgrimage route, increased sharing with the laity, and more. It was reassuring to see that the Custody has three young postulants as well as two simply professed friars living in the formation house. Moreover, the progress made by the Custody’s vocation team and the vibrancy of its youth ministry, encourage the friars to embark on the next four-year term with passion and hope.
The second part of the Chapter is scheduled to begin on July 8, 2024. It will try to concretize some of the proposals that emerged during the first part of the Chapter, which all the friars described as fraternal and productive.
The Provincial Secretariat
