The second in-person meeting of the Commission for New Forms of Evangelization in Latin America took place on 13th-14thOctober, 2025 at the Curia of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Guatemala (the first took place in Brazil in June 2024, editor's note). This time, the Secretaries for Mission and Evangelization of the Brazil-Southern Cone Conference, Br. Eduardo Augusto Schiel, and of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Br. Maurício Meza Sánches, also participated. Also present were the General Animator of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of the Order, Br. Daniel Blanco; the Secretary for Mission and Evangelization, Br. Francisco Gómez; the Animator for Missions, Br. Dennis Tayo; and the General Definitor for Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico, Br. Joaquin Echeverry.
After sharing and learning about the journey of evangelization in the Conferences, the steps taken so far by the New Forms Commission, and a presentation by Br. Francisco Henández, a theologian of the Episcopal Conference of Latin America (CELAM), who addressed the challenges of evangelization in that context, the group focused on identifying four axes and three lines of action for the next three years.
The axes represent four fundamental dimensions of the charism and how current times challenge them. It is worth noting that this is not exactly new, as they are already addressed in numerous sources and documents, but rather an attempt to present them in a simplified and systematic way, with the aim of encouraging friars and fraternities to be increasingly effective in promoting and practicing these axes:
- Synodality and Participation;
- Solidarity and Sharing of Life with Children of All Ages;
- Proclamation of Justice and Peace building;
- New Contemplation.
Based on the identified axes, the commission selected three lines of action that, taking into account the realities and situation of the Church and the Order in Latin America, could provide coherent and relevant responses to the identified situations. These lines of action were defined based on the calls and commitments that the Order on the continent must heed and assume. These lines of action are not new, but they help organize existing efforts, encourage friars, fraternities, and Entities to commit themselves to these causes, and also stimulate creativity for new presences and actions that respond to the respective lines:
1) The Amazon Calls Us;
2) The Fragile with the Fragile;
3) Listening to the Voice of the Lord Today.
After illustrating these lines of action, the brothers also presented some proposals for action that can be initiated, resumed, or strengthened, and which will require the participation of multiple stakeholders. The Commission recognises that its primary role is to promote and encourage new presences based on the discernment undertaken, and it also believes that all those implementing these steps will be responsive to the Spirit's calls arising from this joint work.
At the conclusion of the Commission meeting, the Meeting of Friars who live and work amongst Indigenous Peoples began, also in Guatemala.
Br. Gustavo Wayand Medella, OFM
Province of the Immaculate Conception of Brazil
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