Joint Session of the Central Government and the Latin American Region (CIAL)
21-28 August 2023
Day 5 – Friday, August 25
The theme for the morning prayer of today was, Hope and Laudato Si. Delegates from the Province of Cruz del Sur led the prayers of the day.
During the first session of the day, Roberto CARRASCO (BOLPER) presented Pope Francis’ encyclical letter, Laudato Si, and its implications for the Oblates, especially as these were interpreted during the 37th General Chapter.
During the second session, Roberto CARRASCO and Jorge ALBERGATI, General Councillor for Latin America and Caribbean, introduced a discussion on the General Chapter’s recommendation that the Superior General and Council discern the possibility of opening a Mission in Ecuador as a witness to Laudato Si.
After lunch, the CIAL delegates met in seven small groups to discuss the chapter recommendation, while the members of the Central Government met separately to finalize their presentations for the joint session.
During the last session of the day, feedback was received from the seven groups. From the presentations made, one could tell that there were lively discussions on the subject. It is also clear that there is a need for further clarification and deeper discernment.
Fr. Omar FREDRICH (Cruz del Sur-Argentina) presided at the Eucharistic celebration, and Fr. Fernando BERRUTI (Cruz del Sur-Uruguay) preached the homily.
