The Elective Chapter Assembly of the Units of Bolivia, Peru North and Peru South held in the Retreat House of Blessed John XXIII in Santa Cruz – Bolivia, from August 14 to 18, 2023.
50 Redemptorists gathered to reflect on the process of Restructuring and Reconfiguration for the future Bolivia-Peru Province and electing the first Provincial Government of the new Unit. Rogério Gomes, Superior General and the Consultor for Latin America and the Caribbean, Fr. Jairo Díaz were present in the decision-making process.
On the first day, Fr. Jairo Díaz, led the assembly to reflect on listening to God and to the brothers, to know how to read the signs of the times, to be vigilant so as not to forget the religious commitment based on a reflection of the text Scrutinize, from the Congregation for Institutes of Apostolic Life – Circular Letter to consecrated men and women who walk after the signs of God. It also addressed the themes based on the decisions of the XXVI General Chapter: creative fidelity, the Yes of Mary, the sense of belonging to the Congregation and thus reimagining our Redemptorist identity, community, and leadership for the Mission.
In the following days, Fr. Rogério Gomes, with his reflections, helped us to internalize the process of Restructuring. He urged us to reflect on the challenges (in a theological sense) and on the consolidation of the reconfiguration process in the whole Congregation.
August 16 was a day of voting to elect the first Provincial Government of the new Redemptorist Province of Bolivia-Peru. We listened to the Holy Spirit and to the participating confreres. The Provincial Government has been formed by:
PROVINCIAL: FR. BORIS RAFAEL CALZADILLA ARTEAGA
VICAR: FR. JUAN CARLOS ORTIZ CÓRDOVA
ORDINARY COUNCIL MEMBER: FR. MARCELINO YANGALI
EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL MEMBERS: FRS. FAUSTINO CALCINA, GRIMALDO GARAY and DAVID LÓPEZ.
In the following days, we reflected on the journey of the three Units and on transversal themes such as: formation, finance, pastoral plan, itinerant missionary teams, shared mission and so on.
These were days of fraternal encounter, living our consecrated life and belonging to the Congregation. During these days we felt the presence of God in the creativity, vitality, and joy of each confrere, in the Eucharist and in the common prayers, as well as in the moments of fraternity.
As a new Unit we believe that, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to re-imagine our missionary work and bring Hope to our peoples and communities. We also pray that the social, political, and economic conflicts in our countries may be solved through dialogue and peace.
We thank all the Redemptorists and all the Redemptorist family who have accompanied us with their prayers, for their availability and generosity.
P. Grimaldo Garay Zapata, CSsR.
Redemptorist Missionary
