In the community of Libertad, located in Merlo, a new formative stage of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts began with the opening of the Interprovincial Novitiate of Latin America 2026.
This process brings together brothers from Brazil and Paraguay, accompanied by the novice master, Cristian Sandoval sscc, the socius Víctor Gualán sscc from the Andean Province, and Ricardo Sotomayor sscc, a member of the local community. The opening was preceded by a preparation program held on January 13 and 14, aimed at fostering integration and initial discernment.
Joining this formative experience are the novices João Marcos Do Nascimento, from the Province of Brazil, and Francisco Javier Bogarín, from the Region of Paraguay, who officially begin their novitiate journey in an interprovincial and community setting.
The canonical year of the novitiate officially began on Thursday, January 15, with the profession of the novices’ resolutions during a meaningful celebration for congregational life. The initiation rite was presided over by Sandro Mancilla sscc, Provincial Superior of Chile-Argentina, and was attended by Stephen Banjare sscc, General Councillor.
This new interprovincial novitiate reflects the international, communal, and missionary character of SSCC formation, strengthening bonds among provinces and regions, and renewing the commitment to accompany with responsibility and hope the vocational discernment of those who begin this path.
01/17/2026