On 23 January, the 27th Assembly of the Union of Latin American Franciscan Conferences (UCLAF) began in São Paulo. Hosted by the Province of the Immaculate Conception, the meeting was attended by the Ministers Provincial and Custodes of Latin America. Together with them, the Minister General, the General Definitory, the Secretary General for Formation and Studies, the Secretary General for Missionary Evangelisation and the Animator of the General Office for Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation are taking part. The meeting will end on 27 January.
In his message to the participants, Br Massimo, Minister General, stressed the synodal path that currently shapes the life and mission of the Church. And in this sense, he indicated four attitudes that he considers fundamental for the Order's journey:
Then, concluding, the Minister General invited everyone to feel "involved in a common journey, as the synodal mentality since the Acts of the Apostles has shown us. Let us hope that the word synod does not become another slogan that ends up meaning nothing. Let us give it content and strength, actions and new developments to return to truer and more meaningful gestures. Happy journey, brothers, and let us continue our common quest."
Day One - Embracing the Synodal Path
The first day's goal was to "take up again the Synodal Way to renew our vision and open up to the future, starting from today's Franciscan identity, around the reality of Latin America".
Br Sandro Roberto da Costa, professor at the Franciscan Theological Institute of Petropolis, was invited to reflect with the participants on the evangelising action of the Franciscans in Latin America. Recalling the historical path of our presence on the continent, Br Sandro indicated the challenges of consecrated life in Latin America, emphasising four points: insertion among the poor and marginalised; defence of human rights and dignity; care of the Common Home; the Franciscan presence in Amazonia.
The first day's afternoon was spent in dialogue in groups to reflect on the issues and proposals presented in the morning reflection.
The complete account of the first day is available, in Portuguese, on the website of the Province of the Immaculate Conception of Brazil.
Union of Latin American Franciscan Conferences
UCLAF comprises the three Franciscan Conferences that bring together the 26 Provinces and Custodies in Latin America: the Franciscan Bolivarian Conference, the Franciscan Conference of Brazil and the Southern Cone, and the Franciscan Conference of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is an animation structure of the Order of Friars Minor that is now 55 years old. It was born under the renewing impulse of the Second Vatican Council to promote unity and collaboration in the life and mission of the Order in the Latin American context. In these years, it has sought to encourage collaboration in its evangelising presences (historic shrines, vicariates, parishes, education, communication, social work, and missionary initiatives) and formation based on the Franciscan charism.
