I had a good experience with my Assumptionist brothers in Mexico learning the language, the culture, and participating in the mission with them for almost three months. I was in Calmeca, Puebla from June 8 to June 15 doing mission with the youngsters and adults and talking to them about vocation. The people are generous, kind, and sociable. We arrived in Calmeca on Saturday and on Sunday, we presented ourselves to the parish priest, Father Enrique. There were a lot of people attending the Sunday Mass and many altar servers serving the Mass. The parish priest gave us permission to organize activities and participate with people in their daily tasks. I enjoyed running and playing soccer with the youngsters. On Thursday afternoon, we had adoration, we prayed and listened to music with the community. On the following day, we visited the sick. It was a good experience for me. After Calmeca, I went with the brothers (Eduardo, José, and Rafael) to Zapoapan, Veracruz. We had a week of mission from June 15 to June 22. I went afterward to Tlilapan, Veracruz for one month. On the first week, I participated in an annual retreat with my Assumptionist brothers. We spent and enjoyed our time together praying, reflecting, and living our brotherhood. I treasured my time with my Assumptionist brothers. In the following weeks, I worked at the center called “The House of Mercy” in Orizaba from Monday to Friday, helping to prepare food for the migrants. In the afternoon, I had class with a teacher named Filomena to improve my Spanish. There was the town feast during my stay in Tlilapan. The patron saint of the parish is Saint James the Apostle. The feast began on July 23 and finished on July 28. After the Mass on July 23, people put in front of the main entrance of the church a handmade and decorative façade. After the people finished putting up the façade, there was food for everyone including the beer and entertainment. Everyone was entertained by a person carrying a pyrotechnic bull. The following day, the community gathered in the church to change the vestment of Saint James. They incensed and danced around him. On the morning of July 25, the people gathered in front of Oxxo to receive Bishop Eduardo. He celebrated the Mass honoring the Patron Saint of the town. The parishioners showed their devotion to Saint James by decorating the Church. Also, they showed how excited they were to receive the bishop with a handmade carpet inscribing, “Welcome to Tlilapan Bishop Eduardo.” The atmosphere of the town was filled with joy. The two sides of the street were filled with vendors and games. The town feast continued until Sunday. On Sunday, there were other communities that pertain to our parish came to Tlilapan for Mass. In the evening, there were boxing matches and music as well. From August 18 to 25, I participated in the pilgrimage with people from the United States, France, Canada, and Mexico. It was an enriching and unforgettable experience. Toward the end of the pilgrimage, on the Saturday of August 24, we participated in the Mass of final vows of Brother Rafael Huerta. ​ The last part of my experience in Mexico was in the community of San Andres. I participated in the activities of the community as well as the parish. I accompanied some of the fathers in the celebrations and I liked very much the commitment of the Assumptionist brothers in the parish ministry and the general atmosphere in this town located in the southern part of Mexico City. Those were some of my experiences in Mexico. I give thanks to God and my Assumptionist brothers. Hopefully one day, there will be more young people who will join our community and our Assumptionist brotherhood. Hno Binh Nguyen, a.a.

My experience sharing the celebration with my brothers Augustinians of the Assumption begins on the morning of August 28th, 2023, in the prayer of lauds, a moment of encounter with the whole "Augustinian family, united in one prayer, asking our holy intercessor St Augustine to enable us to experience brotherhood. May we, gathered to meet Jesus Christ, experience in our lives the mercy of God, so that, through his teaching and witness, we may find in him a model of life that will enable us to attain holiness. At the end of the prayer all of us at Casa Dufault shared this celebration with a rich lunch. My brother Jose de Jesús (Assumptionist aspirant) and I, rushed out to support our brothers of our community of San Andrés Apóstol, to organize the feast in honor of our patron Saint Augustine of Hippo, likewise to celebrate the 28 years of religious life of our formator, Father Sébastien Bangandu and the fourth renewal of temporary vows of our brother Rafael Huerta Ramos. Arriving in the parish, we began to help the cooks in the preparation of food and in the decoration of the parish hall where the conviviality would take place at the end of the celebration of Mass. After a hard work, the bells of the San Andrés parish sounded for the Eucharistic preparation. As we prepared for Mass, we received the guests and relatives of both brother Rafa and Father Sébastien. I also met for the first time my brothers Angel Gabriel and Eliud Tlecuile (Assumption postulants) who live in the Emperatriz de América parish; I met the others formator fathers and Father Louis Kivuya, the new regional superior of Mexico, which was a great experience to be able to visualize and know the majority of the members of the Assumptionist community of Mexico. The moment of the Eucharistic celebration began with the entry of the regional father who presided over the Eucharist, followed by Brother Rafa and his parents, Father Sébastien and some other priests and religious who accompanied them to witness the act of renewal of vows. The liturgical team included my religious brothers, postulants and aspirants. A good number of parishioners, relatives, friends of the Assumptionist community participated in the Mass. After the liturgy of the word, the regional father invited Brother Rafa to the altar for the renewal of his vows. This personal moment was the most special, as I have never witnessed a renewal of vows. There were many mixed feelings at that time in my mind, to see how my brother Rafa gave his life to Jesus Christ, promising to serve him in poverty, chastity and obedience, step out of himself to the service of others. His renewal of vows was for me an experience that I keep deep in my heart and that I share in this little review. The mass ended with the blessing of the regional father. They say that Mexicans make a party for absolutely everything and this celebration would not be an exception. All the parishioners, family and friends of the Assumptionist family, were cordially invited to taste a delicious meal prepared with much love by the community of San Andrés. The atmosphere was very festive, many smiles, many hugs, we toasted with a little wine, Rafael and the brothers dancing to the rhythm of the cumbias, a moment of joy where each of us could share the gift of life. In my experience, I can say that in the celebration of St Augustine, I was able to know a little more about the Assumption charism, I could know its warm closeness and I could feel welcomed by a simple but wonderful family. Erick Maximino Rojas, candidate

On Monday, August 7, 2023, at 7 pm, we met at the Dufault house for the entrance mass to the postulancy of the aspirant Ángel Mixteco Cocotle, originally from Magdalena-Veracruz. Indeed, after a year of aspirant, Angel made his second step in the Assumption formation which is the postulancy. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Father Flavio Bustos Castillo, the outgoing regional superior. Concelebrated Fathers Miguel Díaz Ayllón and Sébastien Bangandu Mwanza, formator. The liturgical animation was ensured by Father Jesús Tlecuile Mixteco and the postulant Eliu Tlecuile Zepahua. The Mass was attended by lay Assumptionists, friends of the house and also parishioners of the Lord of Mercy chapel where Angel carried out his apostolate. During the homily, Angel was given a few minutes to share about his call to follow Jesus Christ in the congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption. After the homily, the cross was handed over him and the habit was given to him. After the mass, we met in the room to share some walnut peppers and enchiladas. In addition to being an event that is part of the celebrations of the Assumption of Mary in this month of August, it is for me a joy with much meaning, because Angel is the result of an Assumption missionary journey of many years and that has been the origin of several vocations. At the same time, the area of Veracruz has put us in contact with many young people interested in deepening their faith and their Christian vocation through our charism and spirituality. As an Asuncionist missionary, I know the indigenous area from which Angel comes. Surely Angel had not yet been born when the Assumptionist presence was on mission in their territories. As a result of our missionary and apostolic work in this area, seven years ago, we had a priest who is now parish priest in one of our three parishes and I was also able to share in the growth of many children who are prepared and committed today. So for me it is a great joy that Angel starts today this new adventure. The challenge will not be easy, but with our support and prayer, the best is yet to come in the life of Angel and for us members of the great family of the Assumption. Thanks to our benefactors, friends and associates of the Assumption who help us in different ways to continue with the formation of young people who want to dedicate their lives to the service of the Kingdom of God. May God accompany the Angel and may St Mary Assunta take care of him in this new journey. Maricarmen Martínez Álvarez, lay assumptionist

On June 12, 2023, Father Ngoa Ya Tshihemba, 11th Superior General of the Augustinians of the Assumption (also called Assumptionists) was elected. This Congolese religious (DR Congo), 52, succeeds Father Benoît Grière, of French origin, who has just completed two six-year terms at the head of this Congregation. The Assumptionists now have 915 religious and 45 novices spread over 128 communities in 33 countries on all continents. Father Ngoa Ya Tshihemba was born on 16 October 1970 in Mbau (North Kivu) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Born into a farming family, he is the oldest of 8 children and attends primary and secondary school in Mbau. He made his postulate in the Kambali college and his novitiate (1995-1996) in Charles Lwanga house of Butembo (Nord-Kivu). He made his first vows on 28 August 1996. After the novitiate, he was appointed in Kinshasa (1996-2001) where he obtained a degree in philosophy. From 2003 to 2007 he studied theology at the Institute of Inter-congregational Theological Formation of Mexico (IFTIM), where he obtained the canonical baccalaureate in theology. He was ordained a priest in Butembo (North Kivu) on 24 January 2008. He returned to Mexico for four years of studies in pedagogy (2009-2013) and obtained a degree in pedagogy. He began as a formator and replaced the parish priest of the Empress of America for a year. In 2013, he was appointed in Manila (Philippines), where to date he was master of novices, responsible for formation in the Philippines and superior of a formation house. Polyglot (in addition to Kinande, his mother tongue, speaks Swahili, Lingala, French, Spanish and English), he knows Africa, North America and Asia well. He likes to read and listen to music and walk through nature. P. Thierry Kambale Kahongya, a.a.

It is almost a year since we started the Dufault house project, I still remember June 2022 when we used to come to pack books, repair and paint walls with the illusion of seeing a house ready to receive new young people with vocational interest. The maintenance and remodeling work continues, it seems like a "never-ending story". However, in August 2022 it was time to open the doors to begin the formation process with new candidates. Roberto, who was to be the first formator of the new young men, moved a few weeks before the official opening to continue overseeing the remodeling work. A few days later I was given the news that I was assigned to live in the Dufault house. On August 12, I transferred, and on that same day the candidates arrived. Finally, the opening of the house and the beginning of the formation process became official with the Eucharistic celebration presided by Father Miguel Diaz, who was visiting our region of Mexico. During the homily, Fr. Miguel mentioned some characteristics of Fr. Willfrid Dufault inviting us to study more his life and follow his example in fraternal life. The chapel was not yet ready, the candles had just been lit and the vases improvised, but the most important thing was to give thanks to God because we were beginning a work that is a sign of hope for the Assumption in Mexico. As we commonly say: time flew by; and December arrived, the time for vacations and the beginning of new processes. The small Casa Dufault came to life and is maintained with dynamism among our activities, the apostolate in the parishes of St. Andrew Totoltepec and the Emperatriz de América, the studies of the aspirants in the house, as well as the INTER (Interreligious Institute of Formation). Subsequently, in February 2023 there were some changes for our region with new pastors, new formators and with that, a new formator in Casa Dufault: Father Sébastien Bangandu. Up to date, we continue with enthusiasm to working for Assumptionist vocations in Mexico and to consolidate a community at the service of the Kingdom. I like the idea that more than two confreres are involved in making possible the reopening of a formation house. It is an effort that is not done alone, but together, as a community. While meditating on this event, the question that Fr. d'Alzon asks in the Directory came to my mind: Is Jesus Christ my everything for me? This question helps me to keep in mind our objective: to serve in the formation and maintenance of the house, but, above all, to strive for the growth of the Kingdom of God in us and around us. Brother Rafael Huerta Ramos, a.a.

On Friday, March 31, 2023, the parish of Santiago Apóstol Tlilapan, Veracruz, welcomed its new pastor: Father Louis Kivuya Muke a.a., originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Several parishioners from the different communities that make up the parish gathered for this event. Some priests from nearby parishes were present, and Father Louis was also accompanied by the Assumptionist Fathers and Brothers from the various communities. Representing the Provincial Superior, Father Peter Precourt a.a. was present, as well as the Regional Superior, Father Flavio Bustos Castillo, a.a. The celebration was presided over by Monsignor Eduardo Cervantes Merino, Bishop of the Diocese of Orizaba. As part of the rite of taking possession of a parish, Father Juan Carlos Villa, Chancellor Secretary, read the appointment. During the homily, Monsignor Eduardo emphasized the function of the pastor: ” The mission of the pastors is to look for all the means so that the word of God is announced; the mission of the pastor is to center the word and to make that the word is sown in the community and in the groups of apostolate”. He exhorted Father Louis to favor the encounter with Christ through the joyful proclamation of the Gospel. He then emphasized three essential points, the duty of the pastor towards the people: the word, the sacraments and charity. After the homily, the rite continued with the profession of faith and the oath of fidelity to the church. Afterwards, he was given the signs and places of the church, among them, the keys of the church, the confessional, the tabernacle, the baptismal font and the see, as a symbol of the responsibility he is assuming. The celebration could not end without thanking the outgoing pastor, Father Oswaldo Garcia Sanchez, a.a., who served this parish community for 6 years. Monsignor Eduardo, as well as the people, expressed their gratitude to the outgoing pastor with a strong applause. After the celebration, the parish council and the pastoral groups had prepared a social gathering. A wind band entertained this moment, as well as the traditional dance of the region. We wish Father Louis a favorable mission in this new assignment. May this love for the Church, proper to our Assumptionist charism, inspire him to lead many to an encounter with Christ, always announcing the coming of the Kingdom. Brother José Alberto Mejía Peña, a.a.

The steering committee acknowledged that the small groups were not able to review the chapters on Community Organization and Finances from the 2017 Acts. We will revisit these topics once we discuss matters on Structures and Temporal Organization later on Friday. For its second day, the Chapter focused mainly on reviewing our life and mission in the Province. For the first session in the morning, Patricia Haggerty, Fr. Richard Lamoureux, and Fr. Flavio Bustos Castillo gave short presentations about life in the Province from their unique perspectives. Patricia sees the Province through the lens of a Lay Assumptionist in the United States. While not living in community like the religious, our Lay Assumptionists are united with the Congregation in spirit and mission. They share in the desire to be builders of fraternal communion and unity. She went on to mention that the Lay Assumptionist groups had gone through a process of finding out how they could participate in the mission. They realized that mission is “not contrived, but happens organically”, that “mission finds us” and that “our service must address actual needs.” Today, the Lay Assumptionists help in the education of impoverished students in the Philippines (US), helping the parish (US and Mexico), caring for refugee families (Quebec), doing catechesis, and helping in the formation of young religious (Mexico). Before Fr. Richard could begin his presentation, he invited Fr. Edward to briefly describe the mission in Quebec to give a more comprehensive picture of our mission in the three countries of the Province. Fr. Richard named five challenges to consider in his presentation: (1) Evangelization in a secular world (2) Evangelization in a weakened, divided, and polarized world (3) Evangelization in a globalized society (4) Challenge of personnel in the mission (5) Challenge in doing Vocation Ministry. Fr. Flavio, as a seasoned formator, emphasized many important aspects in formation including the formation of formators, improving the quality of our accompaniment, formation in the responsible use of social media, formation to good community living that reflects family values lived in daily life, formation in leadership and not just in theories; formation at the service of the mission; and formation with the laity. He also noted that we must encourage the young to learn our history. The second session in the morning focused on two specific apostolic areas that the previous Provincial Chapter of 2017 wants us to revisit. These are (1) the revitalization of St. Anne’s Parish in Sturbridge and (2) the new mission in El Paso, Texas. Fr. Dennis identified the challenges that the parish continues to face, mostly concerning personnel. Meanwhile, Fr. Alex, as pastor of St. Anne’s, gave a short presentation on the positive improvements and successful initiatives that have taken place in the parish community. Fr. Peter recounted how the mission in El Paso started and how it has become what it is now. The pandemic has certainly slowed down our efforts, but we now have three brothers working in the frontlines of a parish and a migrant shelter. There has also been a stream of young people from Assumption University, the Assumptionist Center in Brighton, and other universities who came to El Paso to learn about the realities at the border and to volunteer at the shelter. As a joint project of the United States and Mexico, there is still a lot to do to improve our service but it seems like we are heading in the right direction. Fr. Peter also mentioned that there is another request by the Bishop of El Paso to administer a nearby parish. We will need time to properly discern our response to this request. The first session in the afternoon was a discussion on two mobilizing works in the Province: Bayard (US and Canada) and Assumption University. The discussion was based on several reports gathered by the Preparatory Committee and on short presentations given by Fr. Peter (as member of Bayard’s board), and Fr. Richard (as VP for Mission). Fr. Dennis also shared important information and his thoughts about these two mobilizing works. The session noted several challenges, certainly intensified by the pandemic, mostly indicating a decline in different aspects. For Bayard, this includes a decline in readership, profits, and organizational stability, among others. For Assumption University, this includes a decline in enrollment, personnel, interest (or lack of understanding) with regard to Catholic education and identity, and so on. After identifying these challenges, we now hope to intensify our commitment to support and identify better ways of collaboration with these two mobilizing works. The second session in the afternoon paid attention to the report submitted by Fr. Peter, Br. Blair, Fr. Flavio, Fr. Luc, and Fr. Pacifique on Interculturality, Internationality, and Intergenerationality. The capitulants seemed to have a good grasp of what these terms mean and how they are both a gift and a challenge to our community life. We also realize its implications on formation, on mission and evangelization, and certainly on our witness to unity and communion. Several items were proposed, most of them inviting us to listen and understand one another in deeper ways, going beyond stereotypes and biases, opening avenues of better sharing and communication most especially during local chapters, and learning languages. Our prayers today were mostly in French. Fr Eduard focused his homily on following the Lord to where he dwells, and indeed to “come and see.” Were not our discussions this day, however long and arduous, an invitation to see ourselves as collaborators in God’s mission, as co-dwellers in his Kingdom? Bro Blair Nuyda, a.a. Secretary of the Chapter

The capitulants have arrived safely in Ixtpan del Sal, Mexico — though not without delays and bumps on Monday, January 2. Our brothers in Mexico provided a warm welcome and made sure that everyone has settled well and comfortably to start working the following day. An opening meditation facilitated by Fr. Dennis Gallegher, Superior provincial, called us to reflect on “What do they really need?” from an inspirational anecdote from Tales from the Magic Monastery. We took time to identify specific personal conversions that need to take place in our lives. This theme was picked up by Fr. Flavio Bustos Castillo in his homily at the opening Mass when he emphasized the need to deepen our relationship with Christ, which should go above all else, even our various apostolic projects. The first official day of the Chapter started with “housekeeping” to keep ourselves organized and to keep discussions flowing smoothly. Fr. Alex Castro and Fr. Chi Ai verified that all the participants present are the duly-elected capitulants. Two scrutators, Daniele Caglioni and Irvin Santiago, were nominated to keep the integrity of all votes that will take place during this chapter. Fr. Richard Lamoureux was voted as Promoter of the Chapter while Fr. Chi Ai and Fr. Louis Kivuya were elected as Moderators. Br. Daniele Caglioni, Fr. Oswaldo García Sánchez and Br. Blair Nuyda will serve as Secretaries of the Chapter. The first session in the afternoon focused on the Kingdom of God and the state of the Congregation. Three panelists, Br. Daniele, Fr. Edward and MariCarmen Olvera shared their experiences and reflections on the Kingdom as experienced in our lives, in ministry, and in the communities where we are. Their presentations touched on the relevance of our mission, the experience of fragilities of our neighbors and of our own, and the need to be in dialogue with the world. The rest of the capitulants responded to the presentations through the lens of post-pandemic realities and the current state of the province and the Congregation. Now more than ever, as we acknowledge our vulnerability, we also open ourselves to the redeeming grace of God. The liturgies on the first day were lead by our Mexico region The second session in the afternoon allowed the capitulants to look back at the last six years and to review the 2017 Acts of the Provincial Chapter. Fr. Dennis acknowledged that it will not be easy to make this review due to the pandemic which has affected not only our dreams and aspirations but many aspects of our lives as well. The capitulants were then divided into small groups, with each group reviewing in detail specific chapters of the 2017 Acts. Each group also has to present in an assigned language. This was a big task and there was not enough time to cover everything. The steering committee will decide whether more time will be given the following day for further reflection and sharing. The English language group consisted of Peter, Oswaldo, Dennis, Irving and Edward. They were asked to review the chapters on Mission and Spiritual Renewal, and Pastoral Planning and Priorities. The French language group consisted of Chantal, Patty, Chi Ai, Louis, Richard. They were asked to review the chapters on the Lay-Religious Alliance, Formation and Community Organization. The Spanish language group consisted of Flavio, MariCarmen, Alex, Daniele, Blair (with Rafael as translator). They were asked to review the chapters on Youth and Vocation Ministry, Internationality and Interculturality, and Finances. The salient points presented by the small groups will be forthcoming. Bro Blair Nuyda, a.a.

The territory of Mexico was a mission of the North American Province, as well as Canada and the United States of America. Fr. Cassien Dubost (1891-1954), an Assumptionist religious of French origin, belonging to the North American Province, who was pastor of the Hispanic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in New York City and a great devotee of the “Guadalupana,” came on pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the papal coronation of the Virgin Mary as Queen of Mexico and Empress of America. At that time, Mexico was under the anti-clerical persecution of President Calles, which was the dawning of the great lack of priests. From there came the idea of trying to establish an Assumptionist foundation in Mexico to spread the charism of the congregation. It should be noted that already in the 1940's the Assumptionist Fathers came to mission with some young Americans. On his return to New York, Father Casiano took advantage of the occasion of the Provincial Chapter of the Assumptionists to suggest the proposal of a foundation in Mexico. In 1946, Father Wilfried Dufault, Provincial Superior of North America, taking into account Father Cassien's suggestion, thus, appointed him to be in charge of the new foundation, and Father Bernard Guillet as his companion. The two stayed with the Augustinian Fathers at Sta. Teresita in Lomas de Chapultepec. A few days later, Fr. Cassien, accompanied by the provincial treasurer of the OSA, Fr. Ignacio Flores, visited Msgr. Luis Ma. Martínez, Archbishop Primate of Mexico, who gave Fr. Casiano permission to look for a possible Assumptionist foundation in his Archdiocese. Beginnings of the Foundation After many attempts throughout the country, especially Acapulco, Guerrero, La Votiva in Paseo de la Reforma, Xochimilco, a site worthy of the beginning of an Assumptionist foundation was not found. There were plans to build a church dedicated to St. Joseph in San José Insurgentes but because the neighborhood was still in the process of urbanization, the project had not been carried out yet. There was only a small chapel. At the suggestion of the committee of Caballeros Guadalupanos and by approval of Msgr. Luis Ma. Martínez, Archbishop Primate of Mexico, to keep alive the memory of the 50th anniversary of the coronation of the Virgin of Guadalupe as Empress of America, a chapel or church was to be built. On December 12, 1945, the first stone was laid and the work of what would become the provisional sanctuary of the Empress of America was blessed. At that time, the chapel belonged to the parish of Santo Domingo de Guzmán de Mixcoac. Its first chaplain was Father Benigno Ugalde, a diocesan priest. The designation of Fr. Cassien as chaplain of the Shrine was suggested by Rev. Fr, José A. Romero, a Jesuit priest, who knew him for his great qualities and his great love for the Virgin of Guadalupe. On February 24, 1947, Archbishop Luis Maria Martinez, Archbishop Primate of Mexico, signed the document in which he entrusted the shrine to the Assumptionists and appointed Fr. Cassien as chaplain. Shortly after, with the respective authorizations and permits, the title of "Chapel of St. Joseph" was changed to "Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of Mexico and Empress of America". Fr. Cassien dreamed of turning the small chapel into a great sanctuary, dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Empress of America. Origin of the name of the parish According to Father Cassien, the new invocation as Empress of America added to the glorious title of Our Lady of Guadalupe is due to the great and happy initiative of Pope Pius XII, who, in the midst of the grandiose celebrations of the Coronation of the miraculous image in 1945, at the moment when he was addressing his Radio-Message to all America, moved by a heavenly inspiration, exclaimed: 'Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe, Empress of America and Queen of Mexico! And since then all Latin America, after the Pontiff of Rome, hails the Virgin of Guadalupe as its exalted Empress. The Emperatriz de America Parish, better known as the Church of "La Bola", because it is located in front of the park that has in its center a big white ball, but also because of the peculiar shape of its dome. This parish is located on 99 Mercaderes Street, Colonia San José Insurgentes, Benito Juárez, Mexico City. First visit of the Provincial In November 1947, Father Wilfried Dufault a.a., Provincial Superior of North America at that time, anxious to see the reality of the new foundation, made a visit to Mexico. He was very happy to get to know the foundation, even in its beginning and organizational period. In fact, the first superior of the mission was its founder, Father Cassien Dubost a.a. In March 1951, he was replaced in this responsibility by Father Jean-Paul Trottier a.a. (1913-2004). Organization of the first Kermés In view of the construction work that was about to begin, the new foundation, under Father Cassien’s drive, began to look for ways to raise the necessary funds, encouraging the parishioners to actively participate in this important project of the future parish. Thus, the first Kermés of the new parish was organized. At the same time, in order to maintain constant communication with the parishioners and to guarantee the good circulation of information, on October 2, 1948, the monthly bulletin of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe was started, which would be called: 'Entre Rios'. Likewise, the first Kermés was held on Sunday, November 28, 1948. Its realization was preceded by a time of preparation. The first preparation meeting took place on Thursday, November 4. All the so-called 'Kermés workers' participated in this meeting. Different responsibilities were distributed, as well as tickets, flyers and posters. In 1947 the work of the provisional chapel began and the parish project was planned by Father Cassien Dubost, a.a. The parish hall was used for the celebrations for the time being. Three years later, precisely on April 23, 1950, the chapel was solemnly blessed by Bishop José de Jesús Manríquez y Zárate. Thus, part of a project elaborated by renowned architects and approved by the ecclesiastical authorities came to fruition. Construction of crypts After the blessing of the new chapel, Father Cassien encouraged the parishioners to continue working, reminding them that the work had not stopped and would continue at the pace that everyone could or would like. On December 8, 1951, the first stone for the construction of the crypts was laid and blessed. In the same year, the excavation of the crypts was carried out. At the outset of 1953, work began on the crypts under the direction of the architect in charge, Mr. Juan Álvarez Domenzain, a faithful and dedicated friend and advisor of Fr. Cassien, and it was expected to be finished in December of the same year to be able to celebrate Christmas Mass in the new chapel of the crypts. On January 22, 1954, Father Cassien Dubost died suddenly of a myocardial infarction while supervising the construction work. He could no longer be a witness to the great work he had begun by God's will. Father Bernard Guillet carried on as chaplain. After the sudden death of Father Cassien, the "Comité Guadalupano", formed by Rafael Iglesias, José Cano Flores, Salvador Madero, Gabriel Monterrubio, María Lavalle, Jesús Ugarte and many other members of the different commissions, organized a meeting in which Father Provincial, Father Henry Moquin a.a., as well as a good number of parishioners of the community participated. The objective of the meeting was to encourage everyone to continue with the activities planned in order to raise the necessary funds to continue the work. Celebration of the patronal feast On October 12, 1954, the patronal feast of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Empress of America and Queen of Mexico was celebrated. It should be noted that because of the celebration of the Day of La Raza, the date of October 12th was chosen as the date for the celebration of the anniversary of the parish. Thus, besides having its own patronal feast, it is respected that December 12, solemnity of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is the heritage of all Latin America. The program for this solemn day included Mañanitas and mass at 5:00 a.m., communion masses at 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.; the solemn mass at 10:30 a.m., presided by Fr. José Clemente Flores, Provincial Superior of the Augustinians (Province of Michoacán), accompanied by three concelebrants. The musical part covered by a large choir accompanied by an orchestra performing the Mass 'Jucunda' by Franco Vittadini. The organ was played by the distinguished Maestro Jesús Estrada. Then a nuptial mass of Santa Marta Alnarde R. and Victor Torres was celebrated. At 7:00 p.m. the Solemn service of 'La Salve' was performed with a rosary being sung, the offering of flowers and the solemn blessing with the Blessed Sacrament. At the end, the singing of the “Guadalupana” Hymn was performed. The Literary-Musical evening in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe concluded the solemn day in our Cultural Hall. It was a moment of a lot of excitement and great joy. Inauguration of crypts After several months of hard work and dedication, the crypts were inaugurated. The event took place on March 19, 1954, with the solemn blessing by Archbishop Luis María Martínez. The first remains to be deposited in it were those of Father Cassien Dubost, a.a. Since then, they leave the provisional temple. In order to make this marvelously elaborated work profitable, an announcement from the Hall of Cultural Events invited the parishioners to reserve niches for their deceased. On the initiative of German Genette a.a., this chapel became the parish hall that we still use today. In the beginning, films were shown to raise funds for the parish work. Also in the same year, on October 12, the St. Vincent House was blessed at 18 Cordobanes Street. This house had a breakfast room for children, a supply room, a closet, a nursery, classrooms and enough space for children's toys. The clinic and pharmacy were planned for the ground floor. Construction of the church When the construction of the crypts was finished, all efforts were directed towards the construction of the new parish church. Everything began in a small improvised chapel, with wooden walls and a tin roof, on the land where the church as we know it today would be built. In order to continue with the construction of the upper church, Fr. Mauricio continued to organize events to raise funds. The success of Kermés year after year was remarkable. While some were pleased with the design of the temple, there were many who were against it. Many wanted to keep what they had always seen, and were against the few who wanted something different, something out of the custom. They began to build the ogives that support the dome. Canonical erection of the parish In August 1955, before traveling to New York where he had been appointed pastor of Nuesta Señora de la Esperanza, Fr. Bernard Guillet, who replaced Fr. Cassien as chaplain of the Shrine, after writing a report on the activities of the Shrine since its foundation, requested its elevation to the status of a parish. This request met with a positive response from the authorities of the Archdiocese of Mexico. On Thursday, November 21, 1957 at 7:00 p.m., the canonical erection of the Emparatriz de America Parish took place. With representation and delegation of the Primate Archbishop of Mexico, Msgr. Francisco Orozco Lomelí, Titular Bishop de Vita and Vicar General of Mexico executed the Decree of Erection. A solemn mass was celebrated with the presence at the Seat of the Primate Archbishop of Mexico, Msgr. Francisco Orozco Lomeli, which during the mass Monsignor Enrique Glennie solemnly to occupied the Chair and the first parish priest of the Emparatriz de America, of Canadian Origin Father Mauricio Gagnon, a.a. sang. In the same year, Father Francis Soutberg, a.a., arrived to collaborate in the newly erected parish. In June 1961, Father Maurice Gagnon returned to Canada after six years as parish priest of the Emparatriz de America. Father Jean-Paul Trottier was sent to replace as parish priest to prepare the solemn blessing and inauguration of the upper church by Bishop Miguel Dario Miranda on February 12, 1963. From its foundation to date, the Emparatriz de America Parish continues its apostolic journey, spreading the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ, inspired by the charism of the Augustinians of the Assumption. Many generations of lay people, young religious in formation, as well as Augustinian of the Assumption Fathers have passed through this Shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, Empress of America, at the service of the Kingdom of God. On October 12 of this year, the parish will celebrate its patronal feast. May God continue to bless the apostolic work of the Augustinians of the Assumption in this parish and may your Kingdom come in Mexico! Sources: -Magazine 'Entre Rios', Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1948. -P. Gary Perron, Fr. Teodoro Asarta, Carmelita Monterrubio, Lupita Belmont, Patricia Páramo, Yolanda Rocha, María Urrutia, "50 años. 1947 - 1997. La Asunción en México. Parroquia Emperatriz de América," 1997. -Jean Paul Perrier-Muzet, a.a., Tour du monde assomptionniste en 41 pays, in Cahierdu bicentenaire d’Alzon, n°1, 2010. -Rafael Huerta Ramos, a.a., Exposición elaborada en torno a la fiestapatronal de la parroquia Emperatriz de América, diciembre 2020. -Photographs from the parish archives scanned by Fernando Díaz. 1947-2005. Fr. Sébastien Bangandu Mwanza, a.a.

On May 13, 2022, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, our brother Irvin Santiago Martinez, originally from Atlacomulco (State of Mexico, Mexico), received the order of priesthood, by the laying on of hands of Don Eduardo Cervantes Merino, Bishop of Orizaba – Veracruz, a blessing for our congregation of Augustinians of the Assumption. This ceremony was attended, in addition to Bishop Don Eduardo, by Father Peter Precourt, from the community of El Paso, Texas, representing our provincial superior, as well as the brothers from the different Assumptionist communities of the Assumptionist Region of Mexico. Also present in good numbers were the priests of this diocese, the members of his family who were emotional to see one of their family members consecrate himself to the Lord in the priestly ministry, and a good number of lay people who came from Mexico City, as well as from our different community chapels of the parish. During his homily, Don Eduardo reminded Father Irvin to follow with enthusiasm the joy of God's call in the service as a priest and always in help of his Church, always renewing his spirit in his being to give testimony of holiness, as well as to keep in mind that the grace received came from God who invites us to live in fraternity, in communion with all where we participate and grow. He also took the opportunity to encourage our Assumptionist community that is present in the parish of Santiago Apostle Tlilapan, paraphrasing Pope Francis "where there is a religious there is joy, be authentic in the life of community and work". Keep up the good work and all the best to our Assumptionist brothers. At the end of the ceremony Father Irvin gave the blessing to the Bishop. Then he thanked God, his family, the Assumptionist community and the parishioners who accompanied him in the celebration of the priestly ordination. After blessing the people and being congratulated by those who attended the ordination mass, we moved on for lunch at the porch of the church, where in addition to sharing food, we also participated in the festival of dancing with the Guajolote or the Turkey (typical dance of this area) where the new priest dances holding this animal, in the company of the guests. The day after the ordination, Father Irvin celebrated his first mass right here in the church of Santiago Apostle Tlilapan. It was an atmosphere of joy and thanksgiving to God for such a great gift of vocation. We thank God for our brother and father Irvin. May the Lord grant him the grace to exercise his priestly ministry with joy and dedication. Brother Jenaro Pulido Rivera, a.a.

Then, Jesus sent them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick and He said to them: "Take nothing for the journey..." Lk 9, 2. Assumption style mission was one of my motivations for joining the congregation, it has always been a time to share who I am with others. During this Holy Week I was in Tepetlapa, a town in the municipality of Atenango del Rio, Guerrero. It is a small town dedicated mainly to agriculture. From this experience I learned three things: to share what we are, to be simple and to embrace our reality with joy. It is interesting that during this mission I talked more about planting and caring for farm animals than about anything else. The people taught me to share what I know, it is a way to incarnate the Gospel and sharing life in love. On the other hand, the people helped me to live a Holy Week in a simple but meaningful way. I asked myself, what else can I teach a community that shares food, takes care of each other, knows each other well, respects each other, believes in God and collaborates with each other? That is the real experience of living the Gospel. Sometimes in the big churches we get distracted by enormous and exaggerated decorations, but on the night of Holy Thursday, only a small table, some plants and candles were enough to have an evening of intimate and authentic encounter with Christ. The people embrace their reality, there is no ambition, they do not want big houses or millions of pesos, they recognize their wealth in what God has given them in the field. Any other person in the city would say that this is conformist or mediocre thinking, but many times we are ambitious without knowing it, we aspire to great riches without recognizing our essence. The people of Tepetlapa taught me that we do not need too much to be happy in life. In the end, in this mission I learned what the Gospel says, to go to proclaim the Kingdom without any attachment, carrying nothing along the way. The only thing we need to share life, is in the heart and in the mind. Rafael Huerta Ramos, a.a.

Dear brothers and sisters, I want to share with you this great experience of having followed Jesus' command "Go and preach the Gospel". We traveled about 12 hours to reach our destination, the Chapel of Carrizal Zenzontepec, in the state of Oaxaca, where the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (HFIC) are located. We were the first and only group from the State of Veracruz. The people were already waiting for us with a delicious welcome snacks and the persons in charge of the chapels were also waiting for us to take us to where we were assigned. The communities we were assigned to are called: The community of El Temblor, where Marlen Morales and Ingrid Aixa Zepahua went, and the community of Santa Maria Siempre Viva where Alfredo Guzman and myself went respectively. The four of us are part of the council members of FRAS (Fraternidad Asuncionista). In reality, one comes to discover that it is not so much what one gives, but how much one receives in experiences, contact with the ordinary people who always show generosity and closeness, who share what they do not have, teaching us how much good poverty does us. They are communities with deep faith, especially to the missionary’s word of encouragement and hope, to be able to share the Gospel to them. I continue believing and laying down my life in those distant places where the missionary is much needed, but still close and united to the Church. As the word of God says: "There is more joy in giving than in receiving" (Acts 20:35). As disciples of the Risen Christ, it is up to us to stretch out the hand of God to the world and enjoy the gift of being sent to different places where the need becomes a permanent call to us, baptized and committed to the Kingdom, and thus continue to show the face of Jesus alive through us and bearing witness to Him. At the end of our mission, we took a short tour in the center of Oaxaca, visiting among other places like the Temple of Santo Domingo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the ex-convent of San Pablo, and trying some Oaxacan cuisine. I appreciate much the kindness of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception for inviting us to be part of this mission. Lionel LC, member of the FRAS council.