Dominican Republic: Provincial Election Assembly

Juan Tomás, MSC. On April 12, 2024, concluding a week of studies on synodality and Father Julio Chevalier on the bicentenary of his birth, the Dominican Province MSC held its triennial Provincial Election Assembly at the Monte de Oración. Forty-one members participated, along with Father Fernando Clemente, delegate of the Father General, and Sister María Freire, FDNSC, from CorAmérica.

The Assembly began at 9:00 with a prayer led by Father Fernando, based on the letter to the Philippians (2:1-5), invoking the intercession of Mary. On behalf of the Father General, he emphasized the importance of unity and humility, inspiring those present to seek God’s will in a synodal manner. Father Juan Tomás García, Provincial Superior, reviewed the 2021-2024 Triennium, expressing gratitude to the members of the Provincial Council and the Province for their strong collaboration. He also acknowledged the impact of the sudden death of Father Miguel José, Secretary of the Council, and the subsequent integration of Father Hardy Thelemaque into the Council, highlighting the resilience and unity of our Province.
The proposal for three scrutineers and the moderator, Father Arturo Pichardo, was unanimously approved in the election. In a single round of voting, Agustín Guzmán was elected Provincial and confirmed by the Father General. After the election, the Eucharist was celebrated, presided over by Father Fernando and concelebrated by the elected Provincial, followed by a lunch and the signing of the minutes. Father Agustín will officially assume as the new Provincial in Santo Domingo on May 13, 2024.