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updated 11:54 AM UTC, Mar 20, 2024

XIII Assembly of ALAC

Formation and mission in a new culture: this was the motto that gathered the brother provincial ministers, custodes, and delegates for the XIII Assembly of ALAC from January 27 to February 3, 2018 in Lima, Peru (ALAC – Asamblea Latinoamericana de Capuchinos).

The meeting was characterized by listening, sharing, and seeking adequate responses to the problems and difficulties facing our presences in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula. All the General Councilors participated in the meeting. The General Minister was not able to be there, as he was still recovering from a recent surgery. After Br. Štefan Kožuh, General Vicar, greeted all the participants, Br. Hugo Mejía presented the statistics of the Order with emphasis on changes in recent years and how these influence plans for evangelization and formation. Br. Sergio Dal Moro presented a reflection on the lack of vocational perseverance, treating one of the most difficult and problematic issues for religious life. The presentation developed around three points: 1. The phenomenon of those who leave, 2. An attempt at analysis, and 3. How to proceed, in the form of ‘see, judge, act.’

A very engaging reflection was offered by Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez. With humility and depth this famous theologian shared the experience of a wisdom figure, now in his nineties, who has spent many years of his life in theological research.

Br. David Beaumont, Custos of North Mexico, offered his witness as a missionary in very rural areas. In his talk he spoke of experiences with people and presented the faces of those who have marked deeply his own missionary journey.

Br. Hugo Mejía also presented the Capuchin Lay Volunteers, an initiative promoted by the Order that offers people known by our fraternities, as well as others, the opportunity to spend some time in volunteer service in our missions in Asia and Africa.

Worth noting is also the current project of building an international fraternity in the Amazon in order to serve people who live in rural and forgotten areas. May this good intention soon become a reality!

Beyond these presentations and sharing, which were studied in group work, the participants also gathered as a Conference to discuss current issues in their circumscriptions and to prepare themselves for the upcoming celebration of the General Chapter.

A half day was given to visiting the historical part of Lima, where everyone had a chance to appreciate the places and buildings that testify to the work of the Church and the holiness of St. Rose of Lima and St. Martin de Porres.

The meeting was carried out in a friendly and engaging atmosphere. The wonderful hospitality of the friars of the Province of Peru was a great support to the work. Thanks to them!

Photos and video – Br. Paulo Henrique OFM Cap.

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Last modified on Wednesday, 07 March 2018 08:21