Denver, Colo., Apr 7, 2011 / 18:09 pm
On March 25 the Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation. But for one group of consecrated laywomen, the day had additional significance. The Marian Community of Reconciliation, or the “fraternas” as they are known, were also celebrating their 20th anniversary.
Founded in Peru by Luis Fernando Figari on March 25, 1991, the fraternas are a group of laywomen who have consecrated their lives to God through obedience, celibacy and detachment from temporal goods so that they might be fully available for the apostolic work to which they are called.
According to Rossana Goñi, the superior of the community in Denver, it is that full availability that characterizes the fraternas. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., agreed as he celebrated Mass at Holy Name Parish in Englewood for the special feast day of the Annunciation, which coincides with the sisters’ anniversary.
“The real celebration today is the fiat, the ‘yes,’ of Mary, which is, in a very real way, the beginning of our salvation,” the archbishop said in his homily. He went on to include the fraternas in the full availability of Mary. “Denver is the beneficiary of the charism, the gift, that is the Marian Community of Reconciliation,” Archbishop Chaput said. “And today they renew their commitment to be fully available to the will of God.”