Chronicle Report: Provincial Chapter of the Dominicans of the Our Lady of the Rosary Province
Royal St. Thomas Monastery of St. Thomas, Ávila, Spain
August 20, 2025
The third day of the Provincial Chapter of the Dominicans of the Our Lady of the Rosary Province, held on August 20, 2025, at the Royal Monastery of St. Thomas in Ávila, Spain, focused on group discussions, reflections on Dominican life, and the election of key roles, all within a liturgical framework. This day strengthened the discernment process and preparation for the election of the Provincial Prior. Below is an updated chronicle reflecting the revised details about the linguistic groups.
August 20, 2025 (Wednesday)
The day began with prayer and unfolded through linguistic group sessions, primarily focused on discussing and proposing qualities and characteristics desirable in the next Provincial Prior, culminating in an assembly and liturgical celebrations.
-8:00 – Rosario y Laudes (inglés) (Rosary and Morning Prayer): The day opened with the recitation of the Rosary and Morning Prayer in English, a communal prayer moment to invoke divine guidance.
-8:45 – Desayuno (Breakfast): A nourishing breakfast allowed participants to gather and prepare for the day’s discussions.
- 9:30 – Grupos lingüísticos: 2 grupos:
Language groups: 2 groups:
Discussion; Primarily focused on discussing and proposing qualities and characteristics desirable in the next Provincial Prior: The friars were divided into two linguistic groups—English and Spanish—to deliberate on the ideal qualities and characteristics for the next Provincial Prior, generating thoughtful proposals to guide the election process.
-11:00 – Descanso (Break): A brief break allowed participants to rest and reflect.
- 11:30 – Grupos lingüísticos: 2 grupos:
Continuación de la discusión sobre cualidades y características deseables en el próximo Prior Provincial (Language groups: 2 groups:
Continuation of the discussion on qualities and characteristics desirable in the next Provincial Prior): The discussions continued, with the groups refining their proposals based on shared insights and Dominican values.
- 13:30 – Comida (Lunch): The midday meal provided a moment of fellowship and rest.
- 16:00 – Grupos lingüísticos: 2 grupos: propuestas para candidatos a Prior Provincial (Language groups: 2 groups: Suggestions on candidates for Provincial Prior): The groups finalized their suggestions, presenting a consolidated list of desirable traits and potential candidates for the Provincial Prior position.
- 17:30 – Descanso (Break): Another break allowed participants to prepare for the assembly.
- 19:30 – Vísperas y Misa (Evening Prayer and Mass): The day concluded with Evening Prayer followed by the Mass in memory of San Bernardo, Abbot and Doctor of the Church, presided over by Fr. Pedro Juan Alonso Merino. The sermon was delivered by Mariano González. During the Mass, the Korean brothers led the offertory and communion songs in Korean, enriching the celebration with their cultural tradition.
-21:00 – Cena (Dinner): Dinner closed the day, providing space for reflection and fraternal dialogue.
At the end of the day, the election of tellers and the secretary for the election of the Provincial Prior was conducted with a single ballot, in accordance with LCO #507 II. Fr. Albert and Fr. Juan Manuel were elected as tellers, and Fr. Paul Aung was appointed as the secretary. This initial process laid the foundation for the formal election of provincial leadership in the days to come.
Reported by the Chronicler of the Provincial Chapter
Royal Monastery of St. Thomas, Ávila, Spain
August 20, 2025