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V Provincial Chapter - 1
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W
e began our V Provincial Chapter by gathering at our community in Long Beach, CA, filled with enthusiasm and joy. We reconnected with our different brothers from the US, Mexico, and Italy. We started with a social to celebrate our fraternity and life, in a special manner Fr. Juan Pablo Patino’s birthday. Then, we shared delicious wine and appetizers prepared by Fr. Gerardo Alberto. This opportunity allowed us to catch up and foster a spirit of communion in preparation for our provincial chapter, especially with our brothers that traveled from Mexico and Italy and our communities that had not seen each other in person due to the pandemic.
Fr. Miguel Marquez and Br. Lucio Galicia welcomed us to the Long Beach community and introduced us to the logistics and practical house matters for our time in the chapter. After our social gathering, we gathered at 4 pm in the library to begin with the spiritual retreat for the provincial chapter.
Fr. Angel Candia, msps, our brother from the Felix of Jesus Province, opened and will lead our spiritual retreat. First, he invited us to reflect on our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Then, in company with Mary, using Luke 1:26-56, reflect on how we arrive and share our hopes and expectations for this grace-filled moment. After the introduction and first presentation of spiritual exercises, Fr. Angel invited us to gather in small groups and partners and share our reflections and insights.
We then gathered at 7 pm to celebrate the Eucharist presided by Fr. Roberto Saldivar, our Provincial Superior. During Mass, he shared with us his experience and difficulties from being affected by Covid-19. He expressed gratitude to God and his community for the support and encouragement they have provided him with. In addition, he invited us to trust in the Lord, as Moses reaffirms to the people of Israel in the Book of Exodus, “Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today.”
After Mass, we gathered for dinner. This time was also filled with a spirit of friendship and celebration as we sang “Las Mañanitas” for Fr. Juan Pablo and enjoyed a delicious cheesecake!