Chronicle Report: Provincial Chapter of the Dominicans of the Our Lady of the Rosary Province  

Royal Monastery St. Thomas, Ávila, Spain  

August 23, 2025  

 

The sixth day of the Provincial Chapter of the Dominicans of the Our Lady of the Rosary Province, held on August 23, 2025, at the Royal St. Thomas Monastery in Ávila, Spain, was a significant day marked by the official installation of the new Provincial Prior, Fr. Mariano González Martín. The day included a morning Mass, fraternal celebrations, and a well-deserved rest in the afternoon. Below is a detailed chronicle of the day’s activities.

 

August 23, 2025 (Saturday): Official Installation  

The day began with a solemn Mass presided over by the new Provincial Prior, followed by his profession of faith and official assumption of office, concluding with free time for rest and fellowship.

 

-8:00 – Laudes y la Misa (Morning Prayer and Mass): The day opened with Morning Prayer followed by the Mass, presided over by the new Provincial Prior, Fr. Mariano González Martín, in memory of Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin. During the Mass, Fr. Mariano made the profession of faith and officially took the office of Provincial Prior. In his sermon, he reflected on the day’s readings, emphasizing the centrality of Christ’s love in the Dominican vocation.  

 

Sermon by Fr. Mariano González Martín:  

 

 “Allow me a few comments on today's readings, the feast of Saint Rose of Lima.  

 

  Today's readings speak to something fundamental to our faith and our Dominican vocation: the centrality and necessity of living united in the LOVE of Christ, so that we can share and proclaim it to others and thus be happy ourselves and become new and better creatures every day.  

 

  1st Reading: (2 Cor. 5:14-17)  

  Love of Christ: the old has passed away = the new has begun. He who belongs to Christ is a NEW Creature. Christian mysticism is a mysticism of the NEW.  

  It implies the creation of a totally new situation where men begin to walk beyond their own historical burden... Walking toward the new, walking toward others, until reaching the Resurrection, until total Reconciliation with God...  

 

  The Love of God is the root of our life... it makes us forgive and reconcile with God and with others... and makes us free, new creatures every day...  

  Today, as I take possession as Prior Provincial, we begin something new... together we begin a new journey... which, lived in Christ, will be blessed with abundant fruits... Courage, and together let us work with living FAITH and joy in the personal development of our Dominican and missionary vocation...  

 

  The Gospel of Saint John (15:4-11) describes the famous allegory of the vine. The evangelist John insists, more than other evangelists and perhaps because he was the last to write the Gospel, on the need to remain united to the source of our life, which is God... in order to live, we are like branches, like branches of a tree, which must be united to the vine, to the trunk, and to the roots in order to live and bear good fruit.  

  With this allegory, Saint John insists on the need to be united to Jesus... 'remain in Me,' that is, remain in my love.... As the Father and Jesus love each other and remain united,  

  so we Christians must remain united to Jesus, the Vine,  

  - to remain united to Jesus is to remain in his love,...  

  - To remain in his love is to listen to his words; to follow, to believe them and live them; it is to keep his word (his commandment, his testament), which in a word is 'to LOVE.'  

  - To love by accepting the Love that God offers/gives us, opening our hearts and feeling God's forgiveness and reconciliation, so that we can then love and forgive others...  

  - It is a practical, living, active LOVE, with mutual respect... not a theoretical or philosophical one.  

  For this reason, I hope that we can all live like this, following the example of Saint Rose of Lima, loving and helping others... I'm not asking you to 'kiss each other every day' or to be super friends... no, but to be kind to one another, respectful, greet each other with joy, and help the other friars in their tasks, sharing the work, working as a team... Let us live the love of God every day, and thus we can begin anew, become new creatures, and be truly happy...  

  because as the Gospel reminds us today, true and complete joy is found only with Jesus... Let us be happy people and share that happiness with others...  

  Today we begin something new, one more step toward realizing the 'Kingdom of God' among us... keep your spirits up and keep going. God is with us and wants us to be happy and bear much fruit in our missionary work.  

  May God bless you all!”

 

-9:00 – Desayuno (Breakfast): A nourishing breakfast followed the Mass, marking the start of the day’s activities.  

 

-9:30 – Trabajo de comisiones (Commission’s work): The commissions resumed their work, continuing the deliberations and proposals initiated in previous days.  

 

-11:00 – Descanso (Break): A brief break allowed participants to rest.  

 

-11:30 – Trabajo de comisiones (Commission’s work): The commission work continued, delving deeper into their assigned topics.  

 

-13:30 – Comida y Cumpleaños de Fr. Rubén (Lunch and Fr. Rubén’s Birthday): The midday meal included a joyful celebration of the birthday of the former Provincial Prior, Fr. Rubén Martínez Ortega, with expressions of gratitude and fellowship.  

 

- Tarde libre (Free afternoon): In the afternoon, the brothers enjoyed free time to rest from the intense commission work. Some visited the beautiful city walls of Ávila. Fr. Rubén invited some of the brothers who came to Spain for the first time to visit his hometown.  

 

-21:00 – Cena (Dinner): Dinner closed the day, providing a moment for reflection and conviviality following the day’s activities.

 

The official installation of Fr. Mariano González Martín as Provincial Prior, accompanied by his inspiring sermon, marked a new beginning for the Province. The celebration of Fr. Rubén’s birthday and the free afternoon strengthened fraternal bonds, preparing the community for the chapter’s final stages.

 

 

 

Reported by the Chronicler of the Provincial Chapter  

Royal St. Thomas Monastery, Ávila, Spain  

August 23, 2025

 

Chronicle Report: Provincial Chapter of the Dominicans of the Our Lady of the Rosary Province  

Royal Monastery St. Thomas , Ávila, Spain  

August 22, 2025  

 

The fifth day of the Provincial Chapter of the Dominicans of the Our Lady of the Rosary Province, held on August 22, 2025, at the Royal Monastery St. Thomas in Ávila, Spain, was another day dedicated to the work of the commissions. The day began with a morning assembly led by the new Provincial Prior, who addressed the brothers’ various works, progress, challenges, and the importance of liturgy. Below is a detailed chronicle of the day’s activities.

 

August 22, 2025 (Friday)  

The day focused on the ongoing work of the commissions, with an initial assembly guiding the discussions and proposing adjustments to optimize efforts.

 

-8:00 – Rosario y Laudes (inglés) (Rosary and Morning Prayer): The day began with the recitation of the Rosary and Morning Prayer in English, a communal prayer moment to seek spiritual guidance.  

 

-8:45 – Desayuno (Breakfast): A nourishing breakfast allowed participants to gather and prepare for the day.  

 

-9:30 – Trabajo de comisiones; Asamblea por el nuevo Prior Provincial (Commission’s work; Assembly by the new Provincial Prior): The morning commenced with an assembly presided over by the new Provincial Prior, Fr. Mariano González Martín, who reviewed the various works of the brothers, highlighting the progress made, the challenges encountered, and praising the quality of the liturgy. He emphasized the importance of liturgy as a pillar of community life. He then addressed the commissions’ work, assessing whether any changes were needed.  

 

Each commission president presented their group’s progress and problems. Some personnel changes among the different commissions were made to enhance mutual support. Additionally, adjustments to the timetable were suggested to improve the efficiency of the activities.  

 

-11:00 – Descanso (Break): A brief break allowed participants to reflect on the assembly’s discussions.  

 

- 11:30 – Trabajo de comisiones (Commission’s work): The commissions resumed their work, incorporating the proposed adjustments and continuing their deliberations.  

 

- 13:30 – Comida (Lunch): The midday meal provided a moment of rest and fellowship.  

 

-16:00 – Trabajo de comisiones (Commission’s work): The commission work continued, with the groups delving deeper into their assigned topics.  

 

-17:30 – Descanso (Break): Another break offered a moment of relaxation.  

 

-18:00 – Trabajo de comisiones (Commission’s work): The commissions proceeded with their efforts, refining their proposals and solutions.  

 

-19:30 – Vísperas y la Misa (Evening Prayer and Mass): The day concluded with Evening Prayer followed by the Mass in memory of Santa María Virgen, Reina, presided over by Fr. Ramón Rodríguez Alonso. The sermon was delivered by Fr. Ángel Gabriel Villamil Bermúdez, who highlighted Marian devotion.  

 

-21:00 – Cena (Dinner): Dinner closed the day, providing space for reflection and fraternal dialogue.

 

The assembly led by the new Provincial Prior reinforced the focus on liturgy and the collaborative work of the commissions. The personnel changes and suggested timetable adjustments reflected a commitment to continuous improvement, setting the stage for the chapter’s final decisions.

 

Reported by the Chronicler of the Provincial Chapter  

Royal Monastery St. Thomas, Ávila, Spain  

August 22, 2025

Chronicle Report: Provincial Chapter of the Dominicans of the Our Lady of the Rosary Province  

Royal Monastery St. Thomas, Ávila, Spain  

August 21, 2025  

 

The fourth day of the Provincial Chapter of the Dominicans of the Our Lady of the Rosary Province, held on August 21, 2025, at the Royal Monastery St. Thomas in Ávila, Spain, marked the significant event of the election of the Provincial Prior. The day began with a solemn Mass of the Holy Spirit, followed by the election process, and concluded with focused work by the commissions. Below is a detailed chronicle of the day’s activities.

 

August 21, 2025 (Thursday): Election of the Provincial Prior  

The day commenced with a liturgical celebration invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, setting a spiritual tone for the election of the new Provincial Prior. The subsequent hours were dedicated to the electoral process and the ongoing work of the commissions.

 

-8:00 – Laudes y Misa del Espíritu Santo (Mass of the Holy Spirit): The day opened with Morning Prayer followed by the Mass of the Holy Spirit, presided over by Fr. Rubén Martínez Ortega, Vicar of the Province. In his sermon, Fr. Rubén encouraged all the brothers to walk with one mind and one heart, fostering unity and purpose as they approached the election.  

 

- 8:45 – Desayuno (Breakfast): A nourishing breakfast provided a moment of fellowship before the electoral proceedings.  

 

- 9:30 – Elección del Padre Provincial (Election of Prior Provincial): Following breakfast, the election of the Provincial Prior took place. After a prayerful and deliberative process, Fr. Mariano González Martín was elected as the new Provincial Prior, marking a pivotal moment for the Province’s leadership.  

 

-11:00 – Descanso (Break): A brief break allowed participants to reflect on the morning’s events.  

 

-11:30 – Trabajo de comisiones (Commission’s work): The remainder of the day was dedicated to the work of the commissions. The brothers were divided into five groups—two in Spanish and three in English—each assigned a specific topic to address, contributing to the ongoing discernment and planning for the Province.  

 

The election of Fr. Mariano González Martín as Provincial Prior, supported by the unifying message of Fr. Rubén’s sermon, set a strong foundation for the Province’s future. The dedicated work of the commissions further advanced the chapter’s objectives, ensuring a collaborative approach to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

New Provincial Prior

 

The two days leading up to this Thursday were dedicated to discerning the reality of the province in the “here and now,” observing, listening, speaking, and studying the different contexts in which the brothers are engaged in preaching the Gospel for the salvation of souls.

 

Prayers and some of the Eucharistic celebrations have taken place in the parish church of the Royal Monastery, where, in addition to their customary prayers of Lauds, Vespers, and Compline, the friars have integrated with the parish community. The parishioners have expressed great joy in praying and sharing the daily liturgy with them.

 

A vibrant atmosphere of work has prevailed. The chapter has provided an opportunity to learn about the realities faced by the communities and their projects. Through the firsthand accounts of several friars, the human suffering experienced in many countries due to adversities such as wars, persecution, and unmet basic needs for a better quality of life—often caused by authoritarian governments or totalitarian regimes leading to economic, political, and social crises—has been brought to light. In these challenging contexts, the friars, alongside Dominican sisters and lay members of the Order, remain committed to continuing their evangelizing mission hand in hand with those most in need.

 

On the morning of Thursday, August 21, Fray Mariano González Martín, OP, was elected Provincial Prior for the Missionary Province of the Rosary.

 

Fray Mariano is Spanish, born in Parada de Rubiales (Salamanca) on April 30, 1967. At the age of 11, he entered the Nuestra Señora del Rosario school in Valladolid. In 1984, he took the Dominican habit, beginning his novitiate year at the Convent of Santo Domingo in Ocaña (Toledo, Spain). He made his first religious profession on September 1, 1985, and pronounced his solemn vows in 1989.

 

As a student friar, he began his philosophy studies at the Convent of San Pedro Mártir in Madrid. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and began theology studies, which he completed in 1989. He then pursued further theological studies at the Angelicum University in Rome.

 

Fray Mariano returned to Spain and was ordained a priest at the Convent of San Pedro Mártir in Madrid on July 4, 1992.

 

He also holds additional academic qualifications:

- Licentiate in Canon Law from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., USA (1992–1994).

 

In an interview after his election as Provincial Prior, Fray Mariano fondly recalled his childhood and adolescence at the Nuestra Señora del Rosario school in Valladolid. He holds special memories of the older friars in that community: “They assigned us small tasks, making us feel valued, even for something as simple as changing a lightbulb—not because we were particularly skilled or because they couldn’t do it themselves, but to give us something to do and reward us with a snack,” he shared.

 

Fray Mariano emphasized the call he made during his homily on Wednesday, reflecting on the Gospel passage from St. Bernard, “You are the salt and the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16). He noted, “We cannot be bland Christians. Salt has many valuable functions, which, in essence, are the same functions we, as followers of Christ and children of St. Dominic, should embody: to give flavor, to avoid becoming insipid, to heal, to care, and to prevent harm, among other qualities.”

 

After completing his studies in Rome, Fray Mariano was called by the Provincial at the time to serve as a missionary outside Spain. “The fundamental purpose of our province is missionary work, so I have always been ready to go wherever I am needed, trusting that my presence there is necessary. Beyond that, I always strive to help and work for the good of that place,” he emphasized. He acknowledged that accepting an assignment is not always easy, but through the vow of obedience to superiors, he approaches each mission with enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute, which makes it more manageable.

 

Fray Mariano shared that he was sent to South Korea, where he lived for 16 years. As a young priest at the time, he arrived with a desire to energize the mission and initiated efforts to establish a Rosary movement.

 

He has worked in various places alongside Dominican sisters and lay members of the Order, gaining insight into the challenging contexts faced by the province. He has lived in Spain, Rome, South Korea, the United States, and briefly in Manila. Most recently, he served as the Provincial Vicar in Japan for 12 years.

 

Following his election, the confirmation from the Order’s General Curia in Rome was awaited. In the afternoon, the approval was received in accordance with the Order’s constitutions. In the coming days, the brothers of the chapter will continue meeting in commissions to draw conclusions that will be shared with the rest of the province and the Order.

 

Congratulations to Fray Mariano, and may we remain united with him in prayer.

-Fray Marcos García, OP.

 

Reported by the Chronicler of the Provincial Chapter  

Royal Monastery St. Thomas, Ávila, Spain  

August 21, 2025