(Chinauta, Colombia – 19 January 2026) In an atmosphere of fraternity and prayer, the First Chapter of the Andean Caribbean Redemptorist Province officially opened at the Villa Marianella meeting house. This event marks a milestone for the congregation, as it is the first chapter held after the canonical erection of the new Province.
The opening day began at 7:00 p.m. with a significant event: the blessing of the new ‘San Alfonso’ Auditorium, the space that will host the deliberations during these days. Afterwards, the chapter assembly joined in prayer under the guidance of Fr. Laureano Hurtado, the local Superior, entrusting the fruits of this meeting to the Holy Spirit and illuminating the reflection with the reading of the Letter to the Romans and the Redemptorist Constitutions on missionary dynamism.
A historic moment for the Province
The Provincial Superior, Fr. Mauricio Monroy Cáceres, gave the opening address, emphasising the significance of this meeting. In his words, he highlighted that the central focus of the chapter’s work will be the approval of the Provincial Statutes, described as an ‘important ecclesial and charismatic mediation’.
Fr. Monroy called for realism and evangelical hope, inviting the capitulants to ‘discern how to live the Redemptorist charism’ and to ask God to free the community from individualism in order to seek the common good.
Communion with the General Government
During the session, Fr. Carlos Eduardo López, notary, read the message sent by Father General. In his letter, the Superior General made a strong call for unity and participation, recalling that the statutes should be a rule of life that promotes holiness and mission with the poorest. He also sent a special greeting to all the capitulants, making particular mention of the Venezuelan people.
Organisation of the Chapter
To ensure the smooth running of the sessions, the assembly proceeded to elect the officers of the Chapter. After the statutory votes, the services were formed as follows:
Secretary of the Chapter: Fr. Jesús María Ortiz. Moderators: Fr. Leiner Castaño and Fr. Jorge Gómez.
In addition, Fr. Alexander Hernández, a doctor of canon law who serves in Rome, is present as a canonical advisor.
The inaugural session concluded at 8:55 p.m. with a prayer of thanksgiving. The work will continue throughout the week, addressing management reports and studying the statutes, with a view to strengthening the Redemptorist mission in the region.
Fr. Oscar David Tarazona CSsR
