The zonal assembly of Ecuador began with dinner on Monday, 8th February. A total of fourteen brothers and two sisters participated in the assembly. The first day of work was marked by a discussion on the theme: "How to be creative with hope: being religious in a pandemic . In the first part, each local superior presented a report of his community, reflecting on how the community lived this year of a health crisis both in the fraternal life and in the pastoral life. Later on, our brother David de la Torre, auxiliary bishop of Quito, helped to deepen and reflect on the theme proposed for the assembly.
The second day as scheduled for work on the Chapter Decisions document in this order: Pastoral and Missionary Conversion; Prevention of Abuse Policy; Management and Community use of Goods and Youth and Vocation Ministry. In addition, during the assembly news came in from the General Government that the decisions of the 2nd Provincial Chapter of the Andina Province had been approved during the February 9 session.
The assembly also worked on the General Government letter on economy in light of the pandemic, becoming aware of what the letter was proposing as a reflection that invited new forms of practices in the life and mission of the province and the congregation. Likewise, there was plenty of time to consider a renewed commitment to youth and vocation ministry through a youth centre in Guayaquil which is both a space for formation and support to the local Church.
On the spiritual side, each day began with morning prayer at 7:30 a.m.; then the Eucharist at 12:30 p.m.; later, at 6 p.m., there was an hour of Eucharistic adoration and each day ended with Compline at 9 p.m.
Ongoing politics was present at the assembly, as the results of the 7th February elections which brought much confusion and bewilderment to the voters.
Galería fotográfica en este enlace: https://bit.ly/3uiguH4
02/14/2021