The 24th November was the date set for some time by the Delegation of Ecuador to inaugurate the sculptural group: “Brother Gabriel on his departure” in the “Sagrada Familia” Educational Unit in Ambato. In this way we wanted to close the year of the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Brother Gabriel’s departure. And also to celebrate 15 years since the opening of the Holy Family Educational Unit of Ambato. The celebration on the 24th began with the Eucharist in the chapel of the College at 10.30 am. It was presided over by the Bishop of Guaranda, Monsignor Hermenegildo Torres Asanza, and was animated in song by a choir from the school. After the Eucharist, a “solemn session” was held in the assembly hall of the College. Brother José María Esteban gave a brief historical review of the event of Brother Gabriel’s departure for the mission and the presence of the Brothers in Ecuador. Brother Fernando, in his greeting to the participants, emphasised three attitudes of Brother Gabriel: “May this anniversary that we celebrate today as the Sa-Fa Family encourage us all to live with enthusiasm, to work with hope and to promote fraternity”. The solemn session was followed by the inauguration of the bronze sculpture group: “Brother Gabriel on his way out”. The sculptures depict Br Gabriel in movement with the book of the Nouveau Guide open in one hand. Behind the Founder are a boy and a girl, both teenagers, also in an attitude of movement, of going out… following in the footsteps of Brother Gabriel. There was the unveiling of the three images and an explanation by the author of the images, Diego Bravo Quijano. Fernando cut the inauguration ribbon and Bishop Hermenegildo blessed the three images and those present. After the inauguration, the usual photos were taken in front of the brand new sculpture group and a fraternal lunch was served. In addition to all the Brothers and those in formation in Ecuador, representatives of the management teams, parents and students of the three educational units in Ecuador and members of the four Nazarene Fraternities in Ecuador were also present. Some of the people who helped the Brothers in the beginnings of the foundation of the community and educational work also participated. The most representative persons were presented with a special souvenir of this anniversary, with a small figure of Brother Gabriel.
