VIII Latin American Meeting on Montfortian Spirituality – 2026
Perús , BRAZIL - From 19 to 26 July 2026, Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Perus, São Paulo (Brazil), hosted the VIII Latin American Meeting on Montfortian Spirituality, bringing together representatives of the Montfortian Family from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Under the theme “Consecration to Jesus through the Hands of Mary: The Church in Latin America,” the meeting offered a profound experience of formation, prayer, fraternity and missionary renewal, strengthening communion among the participating countries and renewing the commitment to evangelization inspired by the charism of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort.
Unfortunately, the representatives from Nicaragua were unable to participate because of the political situation in their country. The delegations from Mexico and Haiti were also unable to attend due to logistical difficulties, but they remained spiritually united with the meeting through prayer.
The official opening took place on 19 July with the celebration of the Eucharist at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, presided over by Archbishop Rui Valério, SMM, Patriarch of Lisbon. Afterwards, Fr. Guilherme Brandão, SMM, Superior of the Peru–Brazil Delegation, welcomed the participants. Fr. Jesús Cucho, SMM, General Councillor, then conveyed the greetings of the General Administration of the Congregation, emphasizing the importance of unity among the various Montfortian presences and inviting everyone to experience the meeting as a true time of grace. A brief historical overview of the journey leading to this eighth Latin American Meeting was also presented.
Throughout the week, nine formation sessions were developed in the light of the meeting’s central theme through conferences, moments of reflection, group work and plenary assemblies. This methodology encouraged active participation, dialogue and the sharing of pastoral experiences, enabling participants to deepen their understanding of Montfortian spirituality and strengthen their missionary commitment.
The meeting was enriched by the presence of distinguished representatives of the Church and the Montfortian Family. Among those present were Archbishop Rui Valério, SMM, Patriarch of Lisbon; Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, Archbishop of São Paulo; Bishop Carlos Silva, Auxiliary Bishop of São Paulo; Fr. Jesús Cucho, SMM, General Councillor; Fr. Guilherme Brandão, SMM, Superior of the Peru–Brazil Delegation; Fr. Carlos Miguel, SMM, Superior of the Portugal Delegation; as well as the Montfort Missionaries Fr. Luciano, Fr. Jesu Doss, Fr. Luizinho, Fr. Sony, Fr. Mauri, Fr. Leonardo, Fr. Rafael, Fr. Lauro and Fr. Luís Salvador. Also participating were Sr. Carmen Belén, Daughter of Wisdom and Provincial of Colombia; Sr. Silvia, Daughter of Wisdom from Argentina; and Bro. Marcos, SG. Their presence greatly enriched the moments of formation, spirituality and fraternity, strengthening the bonds of communion within the Montfortian Family in Latin America.
Among the most significant moments was the pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida on 22 July, the liturgical memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene. On this occasion, the participants entrusted to Our Lady of Aparecida the fruits of the meeting and the mission of the Montfortian Family in Latin America. The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Archbishop Rui Valério, was marked by a profound reflection on the missionary witness of Saint Mary Magdalene, inviting everyone to renew their personal encounter with the Risen Christ and their commitment to proclaiming the Gospel.
Another memorable event was the cultural evening held on 24 July, during which each delegation presented aspects of its culture, history and traditions. This fraternal gathering highlighted the richness of Latin America’s cultural diversity and strengthened the bonds of friendship and communion among the participants.
On 25 July, Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer delivered a reflection on the theme “Devotion to Mary in the Life of the Church,” emphasizing, in the light of the Church’s Magisterium, that authentic Marian spirituality always leads to an encounter with Jesus Christ and strengthens the missionary commitment of Christians.
The meeting concluded on 26 July with the celebration of the Eucharist in the Metropolitan Cathedral of São Paulo, presided over by Archbishop Rui Valério and concelebrated by Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer, and the Montfort Missionaries present. In his homily, Archbishop Rui recalled that the vocation of every Christian is to be conformed to Christ and stressed that, according to Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, Eternal Wisdom calls every person to conform his or her life to Jesus Christ. This celebration marked the missionary sending forth of the participants to their respective communities and countries.
As a concrete fruit of this eighth meeting, the participants made two commitments to strengthen the journey of the Montfortian Family in Latin America: to deepen communion among the countries through the monthly praying of the Holy Rosary, and to promote ongoing formation through online meetings to be held on the first Monday of each month, aimed at deepening the knowledge and lived experience of Montfortian spirituality.
It was also announced that the IX Latin American Meeting on Montfortian Spirituality will take place in 2029 in Colombia. As a symbolic gesture of continuity and communion, Fr. Jesu Doss, SMM, Latin American Coordinator of the Commission for Spirituality, handed over the Meeting’s flag to Fr. Leonardo, SMM, representative of Colombia, entrusting him with the mission of preparing and hosting the next edition.
The successful organization of the VIII Latin American Meeting on Montfortian Spirituality was made possible through the generous collaboration of the Montfort Lay Associates and the parishioners of Saint Rose of Lima Parish, whose spirit of service and hospitality contributed greatly to the smooth running of all the activities. Special thanks are extended to Fr. Luciano and Fr. Sony, who, together with a large team of volunteers, coordinated the entire event with dedication, fraternity and joy, creating a genuine atmosphere of communion and of living the Montfortian charism.
The Montfortian Family also wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to all the families who welcomed the missionaries into their homes. Their hospitality, generosity, openness, kindness and attentive care deeply touched all the participants. At the end of the meeting, many expressed their desire to remain longer, bearing witness to the richness of this experience of human, spiritual and fraternal exchange. Living together also fostered mutual enrichment through the sharing of Portuguese and Spanish language and culture, further strengthening communion among the peoples of Latin America. May the Lord abundantly bless these families and grant them peace, good health, joy and every grace.
At the conclusion of the week, the participants returned to their respective countries strengthened in faith, renewed in hope and committed to continuing to proclaim Jesus Christ through the hands of Mary. The VIII Latin American Meeting on Montfortian Spirituality reaffirmed the vitality of the charism of Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort and renewed the commitment of the Montfortian Family to journey together in communion, promoting ongoing formation and advancing the evangelizing mission throughout Latin America.
Ad Iesum per Mariam! Fr. Jesu Doss, SMM, Brazil
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