On the afternoon of May 11, Alberto Toutin sscc and Fernando Cordero sscc arrived in Ciudad Presidente Franco. They visited the community of the SSCC sisters and then met with the secular branch of the Buen Madre community, where the SSCC brothers and sisters were also present. They began with dinner and then continued with a fraternal conversation at the home of Ilda and Walter Fernández. For the past 12 years, this group has been meeting regularly, with strong involvement in the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima and in adoration. They meet every two weeks and also have gatherings with the SSCC brothers and sisters, as well as meetings at the national level and with the secular branch in Latin America. During the conversation, they discussed the reality of the SAT (Spiritual Team of the Secular Branch), the worldwide outlook of the secular branch, and the call to be a Church “that goes forth.”
On the morning of May 12, the visitors met with the brothers of the community: Arnaldo Jara sscc and Maximino Peña sscc.
Both are engaged in the pastoral care of the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima, which has 1,000 pastoral agents and 12 chapels. Their work focuses on listening ministry, formation and catechesis, while giving priority to youth ministry.
In the afternoon, they held a community meeting in which the brothers were encouraged to continue keeping their eyes open and focused on the mission. Afterwards, they briefly visited the river border between Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil, as well as a sick SSCC laywoman in her home.
Next, we met with youth leaders from the parish and our sisters’ SSCC school. They told us how they are changing their approach to youth ministry and how they are motivating other young people so that ministry isn’t just a hobby. Other topics that came up included low self-esteem and the need for dialogue.
Later, they celebrated the Eucharist at the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima, with the church filled with people giving thanks to God for the 60 years of the presence of the SSCC brothers in Paraguay and the 60 years of the sisters in Presidente Franco, and also in gratitude for the visit. The day concluded with a beautiful traditional Paraguayan cultural presentation featuring music and dance.
The visitors now continue their journey toward Asunción.
05/13/2026