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This visit took place between April 10 and May 16, 2026. During this period, Brothers Herbert Mangove and Carlos Almaraz were able to share in the rich life of this province through the reality of its religious and apostolic communities.

The Province of Colombia has 39 brothers, distributed among eight local communities and present in eight apostolic works. It has three schools in Barranquilla, two in Bogotá, and one in each Medellín, Marinilla and Puerto Salgar. The province’s educational and social work takes place in Medellín, where it offers afternoon classes for students from low-income families; at the Hermano Policarpo School, situated in the working-class neighborhood of La Paz, and at the Puerto Salgar School, located in a rural area with modest families.

The school in Marinilla is also a formation house.  There, about fifteen aspirants and four postulants are under formation. In Bogotá is the scholasticate, where three brothers are completing their theological studies.

We felt warmly welcome at all times and invited to participate in many activities: formation for the teachers, meetings with school administrators, classroom visits, student interviews, prayer meetings, etc. Despite being an English speaker, Brother Herbert did very well, since most of the students from Colombia speak that language.

With the brothers, we had community meetings, discussions, and interviews, as well as moments of prayer centred on the Chapter Ordinance. During this visit, we were able to accompany the Province in bidding farewell to and attending the funeral of Brother Carlos López Torre, whose passing occurred whilst we were there. His memory will remain very alive in the Province, for he was a beloved, close, and fraternal brother.

We have found a province made up of brothers who sincerely live out their identity as “brothers for the school” present and approachable carrying out their mission in communion with the laity, convinced of the transformative power of education, and highly valued by society, the Church, families and alumni. The brothers continue to be a point of reference thanks to their dedication, wisdom, and witness.

Our gratitude seems insufficient for the wonderful gift of this visit. Therefore, we continue to pray for the province of Colombia, that God, who in his infinite love walks with us, may shower it with blessings and vocations.

Ametur Cor Jesu.