Joint Session of the Central Government and the Latin American Region (CIAL)
21-28 August 2023
Day 1 – Monday, August 21
The joint session of the Latin America Region and the Central Government officially started today. The first day of business was dedicated to getting to know each other and receiving reports from the different Units.
Delegates began the day by gathering in the main chapel for Morning Prayer, calling on the Holy Spirit to guide the session’s proceedings. The morning sessions were dedicated to getting to know each other. The delegates were invited to share their personal and vocation stories in one-on-one encounters.
In the afternoon, reports for the different units of the region were presented, highlighting the challenges and opportunities each Unit is facing, especially in view of the mandates and recommendations of the 37th General Chapter.
Eight units were presented today: Bolper (Bolivia-Peru), Brazil, Colombia, Cruz del Sur, Cuba, Guatemala, Haiti, and Mexico. Fr. Antoni Bochm OMI, Vicar General, presided over the eucharistic celebration. He was joined at the sanctuary by the formators of the region attending the session.After supper, delegates gathered for a moment of fraternity.
