Morning Session
The day dawned cold in Fátima; nevertheless, the Holy Spirit gradually warmed the chapter atmosphere and guided the steps of the Province.
By 7.00 a.m., many chapter members were already gathered in adoration before the Lord. This was followed by the Eucharist with Lauds, presided over by Fr. Lee Lionel Malunga, accompanied by other brothers from the Mission in Zimbabwe, including Manuel Ogalla, Joaquín Béjar and George Chidyamatondo. In his homily, Fr Ogalla recalled how, in the midst of our darkness and fragilities, the light of Christ comes to us, shining at the very heart of the shadows.
The session in the capitular aula began at 10.00 a.m., with Fr. Abilio Ramos serving as moderator. In the opening moments, Fr Pedro Belderrain reported on the number of messages received from various parts of the Congregation on the occasion of the celebration of the Chapter and the election of the new Provincial. Contributions made to the Chapter by several members of the Province were also presented, including those from the students of the Theologate in Granada.
After the reading and approval of the minutes of the previous day, the Central Commission took the floor. They presented the draft of the Capitular document, its structure, and an example illustrating its content and style. Following a period of discussion, the Chapter approved proceeding with the proposed outline, incorporating some stylistic indications.
After these exchanges, one of the most significant moments of the morning took place. Fr. Jorge Sánchez presented two possible options for the structure of the Provincial Government, with the aim of discerning the sentiment of the Capitular assembly. After a time of sharing, the Provincial proposed an informal consultation, inviting the chapter member to indicate their preference for one of the two options or for an intermediate approach.
Afternoon Session
At around 3.00 p.m., the sessions resumed. The Provincial Superior acknowledged the need for more time to continue discerning the structure of governance, a request that the Chapter understood and approved. It was therefore decided that the election of the Government would take place the following day, 1 January.
The President of the Chapter suggested that, while awaiting the presentation of the Government, the Chapter could begin the phase of projection in order to discern the future of the Province. Accordingly, time was devoted to group work revisiting the “dreams” of the previous Provincial Chapter. After a break, the Chapter reconvened in the capitular aula at 5.30 p.m., where the group secretaries presented their reflections on the themes of “healthy communities” and “a living mission”.
At 6.30 p.m., a prayer was held in the chapel to mark the end of the year together. Fr. Juan Antonio Lamarca helped us to look back with gratitude on the year that was coming to a close and to entrust our future to the love of God.
Afterwards, we returned to the chapter hall, where Fr. Jorge Sánchez presented his proposal for the Government, consisting of four consultors, each entrusted with a prefecture: the Prefecture of Economy, the Prefecture of Apostolate, the Prefecture of Youth and Vocational Ministry (PJV), and the Prefecture of Community Life and Spirituality. Several chapter members observed that addressing the reality of community life through a prefecture could be seen as a sign of the times. The proposal was ultimately approved.
In the evening, a dinner prepared with great care awaited us. Afterwards, the Animations Commission had organized several activities to foster moments of joyful and fraternal conviviality. Their generous and commendable work deserves sincere gratitude.
Finally, the traditional grapes. Happy New Year! May the Lord of history guide us with his providence.
Tomorrow, God willing, we shall take the photograph of the Provincial Government.
