On Saturday 19 September, the Ambato Community held the closing ceremony for the celebrations marking the Brothers’ 50th anniversary in Ecuador. Under the theme ‘Educating the heart and evangelising life’, the celebration was the culmination of a series of activities held throughout the year. The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist in the chapel of the Sagrada Familia School in Ambato, presided over by Monsignor Rafael Cob. All the Brothers of the Delegation were present, along with the Superior of the Community in Colombia, Brother Carlos Amor, Brother Jorge García, the Provincial, and Brother David Rasero, the Vicar General. Also present were representatives of the Nazarene Fraternities, school management and pupils from the schools in Puyo, Guaranda and Ambato, as well as some friends of the Brothers.
Following the Mass, a solemn ceremony was held during which the history of these 50 years was recalled, various messages of congratulations were received, and some mementoes were presented to the Brothers of the Delegation. The Brother Vicar General read out a message from the Superior General congratulating all the Brothers and lay people who have made these 50 years possible. A pupil from the school provided some musical entertainment by playing several pieces on the piano. The Brother Provincial, using the metaphor of playing a football match, encouraged everyone to play the second half of the match, which is beginning right now, with renewed strength and enthusiasm. Brother Fernando Cob, Provincial Delegate, brought the celebration to a close by congratulating the Brothers and the members of the Sa-Fa Family and encouraging them to continue working in the future for the education of the children and young people of Ecuador.
