On July 25, 2026, I arrived in Quito, Ecuador. This was the first stop on my visit to South America, during which I wanted to bring the Light of Assisi—a symbolic lamp—to several places where our friars serve as part of the Spirit of Assisi project. The format of these meetings will vary depending on the location and the nature of the pastoral work.
In general, the Catholic Church in Latin America is facing challenges posed by the presence of numerous evangelical and Pentecostal groups. In many cases, these cannot be considered ecclesial communities but simply sects. Depending on the country and the strength of these groups’ influence, many Catholics leave the Church, creating a serious crisis of faith. For this reason, ecumenical formation has become especially important.
My first stop was Shushufindi—our easternmost outpost in Ecuador—in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This region is home to several indigenous peoples and has become a place where numerous sects are active. For this reason, my mission focused primarily on ecumenical formation.
At every Sunday Mass, I preached on the theme of the Spirit of Assisi, drawing on Jesus’ words, “I am the light of the world… you are the light of the world.” I presented the Light of Assisi to my confreres and the parish. That same day, I also gave an informal presentation on the Spirit of Assisi for altar servers and young people. I focused on Christian and Catholic identity, especially in light of the presence of various groups that call themselves Christian but actually operate as sects. Naturally, my presentation was very informal, and the use of many photos and short videos helped spark great interest among the young people.
I would especially like to thank the friars of Shushufindi for their warm welcome and hospitality, as well as for their help in organizing the liturgical celebrations and meetings. The Shushufindi community consists of Friar Eugeniusz WETTA (Guardian), Friar Vicente Carlomán TANDAZO GALLEGOS, Friar Marek NIEMKIEWICZ, and Friar Franklin David SAMANIEGO GONZÁLES.
The next stop on my mission in Ecuador was Quito, the country’s capital. We have a formation house for seminarians there, and the friars serve in a parish as well. The Quito community consists of Friar Michał SABATOWSKI (Guardian), Friar Zbigniew BRAUN, and Friar Krzysztof KURKIEWICZ. When the new academic year begins, eight seminarians will be residing at the formation house.
In Quito, as in Shushufindi, I preached on the Spirit of Assisi at every Sunday Mass, once again drawing on Jesus’ words, “I am the light of the world… you are the light of the world.” Moreover, I presented the friars there with the Light of Assisi and gave a talk for altar servers, young people, and interested parishioners. For the seminarians, however, I offered more “professional” material focused on ecumenical awareness and the challenges of contemporary dialogue.
I was particularly pleased by the high turnout at the celebrations and meetings, even though my visit coincided with the vacation period. It is a sign that there is great interest in religious issues in this country and, in this specific case, in ecumenical formation.
The threat posed by sects is very serious. The presence of many shamanic elements in the liturgy poses a real challenge to pastoral ministry. Furthermore, the many reported cases of possession make the friars’ work even more difficult and are one of the factors contributing to the scarcity of priestly and religious vocations.
I believe that the words of St. Paul can give the friars in Ecuador strength and perseverance in their mission: “But where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.”
Friar Sławomir KLEIN
General Delegate for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue (EDI)
