Chronicle Report: Provincial Chapter of the Dominicans of the Our Lady of the Rosary Province
Royal Monastery of St. Thomas, Ávila, Spain
August 19, 2025
The second day of the Provincial Chapter of the Dominicans of the Our Lady of the Rosary Province, held on August 19, 2025, at the Royal St. Thomas Monastery in Ávila, Spain, was marked by the Mass of the Holy Spirit and a series of activities focused on reports, elections, and communal reflection. This day built upon the spiritual foundation laid the previous day, integrating liturgy with sessions of discernment and provincial administration. The capitulars attending the Provincial Chapter are from: Spain (15), Myanmar (7), China (5), Korea (4), and Venezuela (3). Half of the delegates are under the age of 50.
August 19, 2025 (Tuesday): Mass of the Holy Spirit
The day began with a liturgical celebration dedicated to the Holy Spirit, invoking its guidance for the chapter's decisions and work. The activities combined prayer, reports from various regions of the Province, and the election of key administrative roles.
7:30 – Laudes y Misa del Espíritu Santo (Morning Prayer and Mass): 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. The sermon was delivered by Fr. John Kim, who offered a message ad fratres, inspiring the friars to seek divine wisdom in their deliberations.
8:15 – Desayuno (Breakfast): A nourishing breakfast allowed participants to recharge and prepare for the subsequent sessions.
9:00 – Letras Testimoniales (Fray Javier y Fray Avelino) (Examiners of testimonial letters): Friars Javier and Avelino presented and evaluated the testimonial letters, an essential step in verifying the suitability of candidates for roles within the chapter.
9:30 – Introducción y elecciones: secretario, actuario, aprobación del horario... (Introduction and elections: secretary, actuary, approval of the timetable...): The session initiated the elections, appointing the secretary and actuary, and the chapter timetable was approved, establishing the structure for the days ahead.
10:00 – Informe del Prior Provincial, Informe del Regente de Estudios, Informe de los Maestros de Novicios y Estudiantes (Reports): The Provincial Prior presented a general report on the state of the Province. The Regent of Studies and the Masters of Novices and Students shared updates on the formation and development of the friars in training.
11:30 – Descanso (Break): A brief break allowed participants to rest and reflect before continuing.
12:00 – Informe del Vicario de España, Informe del Vicario de Venezuela, Informe del Vicario de Filipinas (Reports): The vicars of Spain, Venezuela, and the Philippines delivered detailed reports on the activities, challenges, and achievements of their respective regions.
13:30 – Comida (Lunch): The midday meal provided a pause for fellowship and recharging.
16:00 – Informe del Vicario de Japón, Informe de la misión de Myanmar, Informe de la misión de Corea (Reports): The vicars and mission leaders from Japan, Myanmar, and Korea presented their reports, highlighting missionary initiatives and specific needs in each area.
17:30 – Descanso (Break): Another break offered a moment of relaxation before the next sessions.
18:00 – Informe de Sínodico de Provincia, Informe de la misión de Timor, Informe de la misión de China (Reports): The Provincial Syndic delivered a comprehensive report on the economic situation of the Province, outlining the financial health, resource allocation, and budgetary considerations. Mission leaders from Timor and China followed with updates on their respective pastoral and missionary activities.
20:00 – Rosario y Vísperas (inglés) (Rosary and Evening Prayer): The day continued with the recitation of the Rosary and Evening Prayer in English, a communal prayer moment to close the day's activities.
21:00 – Cena (Dinner): Dinner marked the end of the day, providing space for reflection and fraternal dialogue.
This second day of the chapter strengthened the organizational structure and spiritual focus of the Province. The active participation in the liturgy and initial elections laid the groundwork for a fruitful chapter, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Reported by the Chronicler of the Provincial Chapter
Royal St. Thomas Monastery, Ávila, Spain
August 19, 2025