Yan Camilo ZAMORA TORRES, OMI
The formandi of the Province of Mexico gathered in person, for the first time since COVID-19, at the Blessed Joseph Gerard vocational residence in Puebla from April 1st to April 3rd, 2024.
After three years of conducting our annual meeting remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the formandi from the pre-novitiate, philosophy, and theology of the province of Mexico finally gathered in person. We gathered at the Joseph Gerard vocational residence in Puebla from April 1st to April 3rd, 2024. During this meeting, we were joined by the Provincial and the formators from the different formation houses.
We, as religious and missionary formandi, are accountable to ourselves, our formation communities, and the mission communities that welcome us to live in synodality in harmony with the current path of the Church, as well as to make good use of social networks, leveraging their potential to propel our missionary and evangelizing efforts. Therefore, we examined two important topics for formation: the benefits and risks of social media usage and synodality in the formative community. These topics inspired us to reflect and delve deeper, knowing they will remain integral to our daily lives.
Mexico: Meeting of the Formandi
Throughout these days, we enjoyed moments of fun and integration through sports. Likewise, we relished an evening around the campfire, sharing songs, jokes, dances, and contests. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other better and share our talents. The warmth of the fire invites us to experience the warmth of community life following the charism passed down from St. Eugene.
On the last day, we went on a tour with the Provincial. He showed us around Puebla and its many exciting things. Observing the city at night allowed us to learn about the beginnings of the church in the New Spain and about the arrival of the different religious orders that are still present today. We also learned about the arrival of the Oblates at the beginning of the 20th century in Puebla. During our stroll through the streets of the city center, we gained a better understanding of our nation’s history, the legacy left by previous generations, and the historical significance that Oblate Missionaries have played and continue to play until the present day.
Mexico: Meeting of the Formandi
After three days together, we returned to our houses to continue the school year and our formation process. We thank God for the chance to meet again and share the Eucharist, meals, and life in general. Without a doubt, being able to physically meet again after the pandemic strengthens our Oblate vocation and charism.
