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updated 11:54 AM UTC, Mar 20, 2024

The “Schola Fratrum” in CONCAM and CCA

Bogotá (Colombia). Thirty-six of us brother formators of CONCAM (Conferencia de Capuchinos de América Central y México) and CCA (Conferencia Capuchina Andina) met in Bogotá from May 6 to 17. We have called this program of formation for formators, with a cycle of four years, the “Schola Fratrum.”

Various friars presented in this first meeting: Harold Arlés Pérez on “The formative journey beginning from the Ratio formationis (hereafter RF) and theoretical and methodological elements as a toolbox for accompaniment”; Jaime Rey on “Franciscan spirituality and theology in the RF as the center hinge of formation”; and Carlos Novoa on “Franciscan discernment.”

The visit of our brother José Ángel Torres, General Vicar, was an encouragement and assisted us in placing ourselves in the context of the concerns and challenges of the Order in this new sexennium. We thank him for being with us and for his support.

The meeting was a space and time that allowed us, as conferences, to reflect on formation, which is something that touches the heart of our circumscriptions. The participation of the brothers in their attentive and punctual listening together with their thoughtful input brought clarity and enrichment to all in the fraternal sharing. The input and formation offered by experts and those particularly qualified gave us a deeper knowledge of the topics.

The Schola Fratrum isn’t just a meeting of formators, but also a catalyst for each circumscription in that formation is not limited to the stages of initial formation but also includes its ongoing character.

Here is the work that we planned for ourselves on the way to the next meeting:

  • To study and discernment of the elements of the RF with a view to the rewriting of formation plans and paths, also in the light of what was indicated in this meeting as well as prior meetings.
  • To make a study in our conferences in order to have data to study and interpret.
  • To consolidate, in all of our formation, the single vocation as lesser brothers. In particular, to reflect on post-novitiate formation and its various pastoral directions (priestly ministry and lay fraternal ministry).

“Schola Fratrum” topics for study and discernment

  • How do we define our particularly Capuchin ideas of fraternity, minority, and contemplation?
  • What do Franciscan anthropology and the theme of relationality look like in our Latin American context?
  • How do we approach interculturality, affectivity, and special formation in the time of post-novitiate and cultural influence in the profile of the Capuchin friar?

Last modified on Monday, 17 June 2019 21:16