Nearly 1,000 people attend 45th National Gathering of Paraguay’s Franciscan Family in Caazapá

Nearly 1,000 members of Paraguay’s Franciscan Family gathered in Caazapá for the group’s 45th National Gathering, bringing together religious and lay participants from different parts of the country.

The event took place at the Prof. Ignacio Falcón Real Sports Center. Visitors were welcomed before the central religious ceremony, a Mass led by Marcelo Benítez, bishop of the host diocese. Participants then joined activities designed to strengthen links among Franciscan communities and create space for fellowship.

The Franciscan Family in Paraguay includes the Friars Minor, Conventual Franciscans, Capuchins, Poor Clare nuns and the Third Order Regular. Lay members also take part through groups including the Secular Franciscan Order and the Franciscan Youth movement, as well as other congregations inspired by Franciscan spirituality.

The national gathering has continued for 45 years, giving members an opportunity to meet again and share experiences around their common faith tradition. This year’s edition carried added significance because it coincided with the commemoration of the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s death in 1226.

As part of the commemorations, participants also viewed a relic of Saint Francis that is currently traveling among dioceses in Paraguay.