The members of Latin America met in Lima, Peru for their first assembly as a future province.  The assembly began with some presentations by a psychologist, José Ricardo Alvarez, from the Pontifical University “Javeriana” in Bogotá. His presentations helped us to recognize that individuals approach decision making in different ways.  However, there is a “just cause,” he said, that calls us to work and make decisions together. For example:becoming a new province.  For some, the new Latin American Province is a dream becoming a reality.  For others there is fear of the uncertainties that still exists.

For the business portion of the gathering, the members met in small groups to review and modify the proposed Provincial Statutes and the Financial Policies for the new province.  Taking into consideration the suggestions that were made, the Provincial Statutes were approved by a majority vote.  Once elected, the new Provincial and his Council will formally approve the Finance Policies.  It was also decided that the Provincial Offices would be located in Peru.  

When will the new Province will be erected? In consultation with the current Latin American Unit Directors, a time-line was propose by the Moderator General. This was discussed in the Assembly and a recommendation will be approved by General Curia and formally announced at the General Assembly in September.

Story courtesy of Joseph Deardorff, CPPS