Meeting of Provincials and Delegates of America and Asia

The meeting began with a fraternal exchange among all participants. Those concluding their mandates shared the experiences gained during their years of service, while the new superiors spoke of their hopes and feelings as they get ready to undertake this task in service of the mission and the Institute.

In the afternoon, there was a session of ongoing formation led by Brother Roberto Duarte, provincial superior of the Divine Word Missionaries, who offered a reflection on the ‘Perspectives of Religious Life in Light of the Congress on Consecrated Life’, held a few weeks earlier in Quito. His reflection was enlightening and facilitated a moment of discernment, encouraging participants to reflect on the service they are called to provide as witnesses and companions alongside the confrères of their provinces and delegations.

The morning of Saturday, 29^th November, was dedicated to the topic of merging circumscriptions. The subject was presented and animated by Father David Domingues, who outlined the progress made so far within the Institute and the future perspectives, particularly based on the guidance from the interprovincial assembly held last September.

During the discussion with Father David, all participants were invited to share their opinions and viewpoints on the matter, reporting on the reflections and work already carried out in their respective circumscriptions. In an open, frank, and spontaneous dialogue, a clear willingness emerged to continue deepening the discussion, while awaiting the guidance that will be communicated by the General Council in a forthcoming letter to the entire Institute.

In the afternoon, a series of updates was shared regarding the Mission, missionary animation, and the COP30 forum held in Brazil. These updates were provided by Father Raimondo, provincial superior of Brazil and coordinator of the mission sector in the AA continent.

Father Jorge Benavides, delegate of Colombia, presented the situation of specific pastoral ministries – urban, indigenous, and Afro – across the continent. He also shared his experience participating in the Afro Pastoral meeting held in Luján, Argentina, attended by some confrères from the AA region. Finally, he outlined the proposal for an interprovincial postulancy, supported by some provinces currently with a limited number of postulants.

During the afternoon sessions, discussions also covered the Xochimilco and Manila novitiates, the missionary service, and ongoing formation courses held in Rome. The digital magazine and the website, currently under development, were also discussed, largely thanks to the contribution of Father Paco Carrera, at work in Colombia.

Sunday, 30^th November, was dedicated to a moment of fraternity: the group visited the Comboni parish María Estrella de la Evangelización, where Mass was celebrated and lunch was shared, prepared by the community. The group also had the opportunity to visit the ‘Mitad del Mundo’ monument, an iconic symbol near Quito marking the equatorial line that divides the Earth into the northern and southern hemispheres.

On Monday, 1^st December, participants continued sharing information on other significant aspects to ensure continuity of the service being provided and to maintain attention to the missionary reality of the AA continent, with its challenges and hopes for the future.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to Father Ottorino, provincial superior of Ecuador, to the host province, and particularly to the community of the provincial house for their warm welcome and attentive, fraternal service, which allowed the meeting to take place peacefully and fruitfully.

Provincial Superiors and Delegates of America and Asia,
Quito, Ecuador