A New Wind Blows in Latin America
On October 27, the Cardinal Grand Master held a meeting with the lieutenants of the Latin American area at Rocas do Vouga, the country residence of the Lieutenant of Brazil-São Paulo, Manuel Tavares. The encounter brought about renewed enthusiasm among those present, who had until this meeting and for various reasons, remained somewhat on the margins of contact with the Grand Magisterium since 2018. Six years had indeed passed since the last in-person meeting, which was held in Buenos Aires. COVID and other unfavorable circumstances had delayed this face-to-face meeting, which could only take place twice previously through video conferencing.
What are the new elements that have emerged? First among them, since 2018, there has been the creation of a role for a Vice Governor General who is responsible for Latin America. This position has been entrusted to the skill and dedication of Enric Mas, who, in close collaboration with the Grand Magisterium and through ongoing communication and frequent visits, has enabled coordination between all the activities in Rome and those of the region. This work has yielded numerous results. In Argentina, there has been a reassuring revival of dialogue between members of the Order and the local episcopate, which had previously faced some difficulties. In Brazil, prominent figures from various regions have stepped into the scene, allowing for a confident outlook on the prospects for expanding the Order in a country with immense potential and deep devotion. Mexico has been playing a leading role in training efforts, which has benefitted neighboring countries too. A new Magistral Delegation was established this past May in Santo Domingo, which marks the beginning of the Order’s Central America expansion.
In this context, Honduras, Panama, and Guatemala have been visited, and direct contacts have been initiated with local ecclesiastical authorities. The leadership transition within the Bogotá Lieutenancy has brought new energy and fresh perspectives to Colombia. Chile, Paraguay, and Ecuador are other countries where potential openings are being explored. The upcoming leadership transition in the Rio de Janeiro Lieutenancy, while ensuring continuity, will bring in new and younger members to the Lieutenancy Council. These people are genuinely inspired by a love for the Holy Land, and whom the Cardinal Grand Master has had the opportunity to meet personally.
The atmosphere of warm cordiality and constructive intentions that characterized the meeting of the Latin American Lieutenants at the picturesque “coudelaria” near São Paulo is certain to yield positive results.
The initiative received encouragement from Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, Grand Prior of the Lieutenancy and Archbishop of São Paulo, who attended as a welcome guest and observer during the first phase of the meeting. His presence embodied the spirit of “accompaniment” by the ecclesiastical component, initiated during the last Consulta.
The presentations that followed were moderated by the Governor General and under the spiritual guidance of the Cardinal Grand Master. What followed were lively and constructive reflections, both on the topic of spiritual deepening and on that of contributive participation. These discussions were inspired by the teachings of the Order's five core texts: the Statutes; the book on Spirituality; the Formation Document; the new Ritual; and, the new Regulations (currently in its final draft stage and soon to be made available). The Cardinal Grand Master encouraged thorough dissemination and study of these texts among the members. The presence of Monsignor Adriano Paccanelli, the Order’s Ceremonial Officer, highlighted the importance of a more attentive application of the current rituals, while François Vayne, head of communications, emphasized the need to share news of the Order's activities in the Holy Land, as well as directives from the Grand Magisterium; in addition, to foster communication between Lieutenancies more widely.
