Under the theme “Consecrated Life through Synodality: Walking Together,” men and women religious from the Apostolic Vicariate of Ñuflo de Chávez gathered on October 10, 2026, in Cuatro Cañadas, Bolivia, to share a day of prayer, reflection, and fellowship, to evaluate the pastoral journey they have undertaken, and to renew their commitment to a synodal and missionary Church.
As part of Missionary Month, the gathering brought together members of various religious communities from Urubichá, Ascensión, Puerto Rico, San Ramón, Concepción, and other localities in a space of communion and discernment to strengthen fraternal bonds and renew their vocation of service to the people of God.
The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Father René Sandoval Vidal, who recalled that a vocation arises from God’s loving initiative, evoking the words of Jesus: “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (Jn 15:16).
Walking Together Through Listening and Discernment
Throughout the gathering, participants shared moments of prayer, song, and reflection, and offered their prayers for vocations. In light of the Vicariate’s Pastoral Plan, they also assessed the progress made over the past year, identified challenges, and shared experiences to strengthen evangelization efforts in their communities.
Synodality took center stage during the gathering, understood as a way of walking together, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and taking on the Church’s mission in a spirit of shared responsibility. This exercise allowed participants to recognize the fruits of their pastoral work and renew their commitment to continuing to build a Church rooted in communion and participation.
Fraternity That Drives the Mission
The gathering was also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship, closeness, and solidarity among religious communities. The warm welcome extended by the sisters from Puerto Rico and Cuatro Cañadas fostered an atmosphere of joy, gratitude, and fraternal sharing, reminding everyone that consecrated life is nourished by prayer, fellowship, and mutual support.
At the end of the day, the religious men and women renewed their commitment to the vocation they have received and to missionary service, reaffirming the importance of walking together in the face of the pastoral challenges in their territories.
This experience reflects the value of a religious life that, through fraternity and communal discernment, contributes to building a Church that is close to the people, committed to their realities, and open to the paths the Holy Spirit inspires.
From the perspective of the Amazonian Church, these gatherings strengthen a mission built on communion, participation, and shared responsibility, making synodality a concrete way of living and proclaiming the Gospel.
Source: Bolivian Conference of Religious (CBR), Ñuflo de Chávez Regional Office.
