On October 14, the secular fraternity of Orlando, in the State of Florida, (USA), celebrated a solemn party. It was the appointed day for the renewal of baptismal promises according to the Augustinian Recollect charism of the candidates for this secular fraternity of Saint Magdalene of Nagasaki.
At 10 a.m. the Eucharistic celebration began, presided over by the Augustinian Recollect frater Sergio Sánchez, animator of the fraternities of the province of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine -Order of Augustinian Recollects-, covered with red ornaments, to celebrate the memory of the Japanese martyr, patroness saint of the secular fraternities of the Order. The majesty of the Basilica Mary Queen of the Universe, where it the ceremony took place contrasted with the small group of fraternal members.
It was an intimate ceremony, with just twenty people; the seven first fraternal members, the six candidates and some family members. The new sisters of the fraternity are Alcira Rodríguez, María Gabriela Torres, Antonia Josefina Chang, Magaly Oliva, Martha Hernández and Karla Waleska Melendez. A curious fact that is worth noting is that it is a fraternity of Venezuelans in the diaspora.
In the homily the celebrant commented on three themes: the figure of Saint Magdalene, her condition as a woman, young, catechist, tertiary; nature of fraternity and its importance as an element of renewal in the Order, following the invitation of Pope Francis to “put the charisma in hands of the laity”; and a brief comment on the readings of the feast of the martyr, underlining the demands of discipleship and following Jesus.
On the same day the 14th, the new council of the fraternity was established. In the assembly served as tellers, Pedro Torres and Karla Meléndez, and as moderator Matilde Parra. The election of the new president, unanimous vote, fell to the person of Mr. Kuaimare Jesús Velazco. The council was constituted as follows: Kuaimare Velazco, president; Pedro Torres, first counselor, Ángela Delgado, second counselor; third advisor Martha Hernández and fourth advisor, Karla Meléndez.
The celebration concluded with a fraternal meal, of Mexican cuisine, in the basilica facilities. The next day, Sunday, the fraternity shared the Eucharist and the table in the house of Mrs. Ignacia Cañizález, animator and founder of the fraternity. The advisor took the opportunity to encourage and report on the progress of the secular fraternities in the Order.
