Fr. Bonifacio Solís García, OP, Prior Provincial and Fr. José Ángel López Legido, OP visit our vicariate in Venezuela. They were accompanied to visit all the houses and convents in our country by Fr. Kleyver García, OP, Vicar of the Provincial in Venezuela and Fr. José Gregorio Lobo Izquierdo, OP, Sindic of the vicariate.

Fr. Provincial could perceive some weaknesses in our communities after listening all the brothers. He encouraged all of them to support each other in these difficult and precarious times in Venezuela. He was greatly concerned about the economic difficulties that the different communities are going through.

In the same way, taking advantage of the occasion, it motivated the brothers to strengthen community life; to promote a greater relationship between the different communities, especially those that are geographically closer, sharing in a more intense way the difficulties, the jobs, the joys and frustrations that can occur in fraternal life.

He also encouraged the brothers to be strong at this time and never to lose hope, to continue with vehemence the pastoral work, and to recognize the importance of supporting from each of the communities the vocational work, in which the future of the Order in the country, in Venezuela.

By Fr. Martín Contreras, O.P.

(adapted translation of the original text into English by MF)

A lay group composed of eighteen members, led by Professor Jenny Lao Phillips, paid a friendly visit to the St. Dominic’s Priory of Macao on the 1^stof December, 2018 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. They are members of the Macau Catholic Lay Association. With their spiritual growth in mind, the main objective of this visit was for them to know more about the presence and life of the Dominicans in Macau. In fact, it was the first time for this Association to officially visit our community since its foundation in 2006. 

The encounter started with Ms. Jenny’s introduction of the group members to the Dominican community. After that, Fr. José Luis de Miguel, the Prior of the community, gave them a warm welcome to St Dominic’s Priory. Since most of the group were Cantonese speaking, Ms Jenny had to translate the message into their native language. Then there was an opening prayer in Cantonese led by Fr. Lawrence The Reh. One of the brothers, Deacon Francis Nge Nge, acting as MC of the meeting, introduced the rundown of the program. 

The most solid number of it was Fr Fausto Gomez’ short talk on the presence and life of the Dominicans in Macao. He focused on who the Dominicans are, what they are doing here in Macau, where they did come from and where they are heading to. He mentioned also the history of this Priory and of the studentate and the life of the friars. He concluded by remarking also the presence of the Dominican Family in Macau: Friars, Sisters and Lay members.

As ‘intermission’ number the brothers sang “O Sanctissima”, a traditional Latin hymn addressed to Mother Mary. A brief sharing by four student brothers, representative from different countries, followed up the singing. There was also a short time for open forum, with questions and answers on both sides. Then, some refreshments, courtesy of the Association, were friendly shared with all the participants while engaging in joyful and informal conversation. 

The encounter was ended by gathering up together in the chapel of the Priory for the singing of “Salve Regina’’ and final blessing. A group picture and the distribution of some souvenirs rounded off this pleasant and fruitful visit. 

By Bro. Andre Pereira, OP and  Bro. Stephen Lej Kapaw, OP.

Every man and woman have the right to enjoy the justice with which God has created everyone to be happy. How do we evangelize? In the midst of the powers of the world, do we propose, claim a hole of freedom to be able to serve the God who created us, as the people of Israel did under the oppression of the Pharaoh of Egypt?

As preachers, the proclamation of the gospel demands more coherence of life and more refinement in our ways of reaching others. Evangelical contents are necessary to preach. It is key to bring out more awareness that we are all missionaries. This is our condition as disciples, apprentices, in people in biblical formation who celebrate in community.

In the East and West, where the epicenter of the province lies, only a just placement of the substantial and saving elements will be true evangelization and will cause faith. In these cases, tranquilizing religiosities are not necessary. It is not about doing things but about the nuance that we bring as Dominicans.

Before a world full of needs, with many objects, but less objective. This new issue of AMANECER continues with the previous issue of this magazine that spoke about young people and the synod of bishops in October. It keeps our eyes on what we can offer young people, what we offer for their lives and formation, what human culture; a preaching on the true means life, it is the vital and existential needs of man are related to the truth. We can propose an evangelical life in the face of the demands of a world driven by human limitations and its offerings that it is unable to save.

How to update the aspect of announcing Jesus to the unbelievers of our founding charism, creatively? What is our practice? What place does this approach of the gospel occupy in our preaching to those who have not heard or know anything about it, to those who are far away or what we want to call them, say they do not believe in God?

And since we are in places where the baptized and those who call themselves believers are so many, is the reason for our attention the need for purification and giving them the food they need to keep growing? Will a maintenance liturgy and exhaustive compliance with norms and laws be enough to be followers of Jesus? He repeatedly criticized his disciples.

We invite you to enjoy this new issue of AMANECER visit us at http://amanecerdominicos.blogspot.com and get more information.

By Pedro Juan Alonso, OP

(Traslation)