Fr. Boris Calzadilla Arteaga CSsR, Provincial Superior of Bolivia-Peru, shared a video message with Scala
News, in which he summarizes the work of the last Provincial Chapter and discusses current issues affecting his province and the people of Bolivia and Peru.
The Provincial Chapter of Bolivia-Peru
He first expressed his gratitude to the God of Life and History and to Saint Alphonsus for the confreres’ participation in the Provincial Chapter of the Redemptorist Missionaries of Bolivia-Peru, which took place in an atmosphere of fraternity, prayer, and shared responsibility at the Cieneguilla Retreat House in Lima, Peru, from September 22 to 25. He informed everyone that after serious reflection, the new provincial statutes and their respective directories for pastoral care, finances, and formation were approved. “It is a fruit and a sign that the Holy Spirit continues to guide our province of Bolivia-Peru in fidelity to God and the Alphonsian charism,” said Fr. Boris.
October as the month of devotion to the Lord of Miracles
As a second topic for reflection, Fr. Boris informs us in the video that in the month of October, Peru celebrates the devotion to the Lord of Miracles. This is a national devotion to an image of the crucified Dark Christ, painted on a wall in Lima by a slave in 1651. Its miraculous resistance to earthquakes and the miracles performed for the common people have fuelled popular devotion, growing in number each year. The procession of the image, reproduced on a large canvas, is a must for all Peruvians this month. “This image reminds us of the suffering Christ who gives his life for the dignity of all.” The Archbishop of Lima recalls this, saying that the Lord of Miracles is not just a venerated painting, but a theological and pastoral sign. God draws close to the suffering and humble people. The slave who painted this image reminds us that faith springs from the people, from the marginalized, and becomes a force that unites all the people.
Elections in Bolivia
Also in October, reports Fr. Boris, Bolivia will hold its general elections. We will then see that the elected authorities will have to have the ability to put aside partisan interests to unite for the good of the country. “To get us out of this economic crisis and this enormous problem of drug trafficking and insecurity that plagues our people,” says Fr. Boris.
Feast of Saint Gerard Majella
In October, we also celebrate the feast of Saint Gerard Majella, whose words many remember when he left home, ” I am leaving to become a saint.” His entire life with the Redemptorists was a journey toward holiness. His love for God and his service in all things have set an example to follow. Another phrase that helps Redemptorists and many others is the one he kept on his door: ” God’s will is done here.”
Mid-term meeting in Puerto Rico
Another important piece of information, given to us by Fr. Boris in his video message: This October, the Redemptorists will hold the Mid-Sexennium Meeting of the Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean in Puerto Rico.
But why is it important? “Because this event unites us with the entire universal Redemptorist family, and especially with Latin America and the Caribbean. It is a common effort to review, encourage, and renew our mission. All the provincials, vice-provincials, delegates, and lay Redemptorists are meeting to continue carrying out this process of restructuring by and for the mission. It must strengthen our missionary identity and our communion as a province with the entire Redemptorist family,” said Fr. Boris.
Month of the Rosary
Father Boris concluded his message by recalling that October is the month of the Rosary, dedicated to Mary Most Holy. “We entrust to her our lives, our history, our dreams, and our hopes. May the Virgin always protect us,” he said.
Fr. Boris Calzadilla Arteaga, CSsR,
Provincial Superior of Bolivia-Peru
The full video can be seen on Facebook:
