An Extraordinary Meeting, The OALA Board Elects a New Interim Secretary General

In a climate of prayer, fraternity, and communal discernment, the Board of the Organization of Augustinians of Latin America and the Caribbean (OALA) ​​held its Extraordinary Meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2026, engaging in an intense day marked by the synodal spirit and Augustinian communion.

The day began with Morning Prayer, followed by the opening prayer and invocation of the Holy Spirit, led by Fr. Juan Carlos Ayala, OSA. The meeting was hosted by Fr. Mauricio Manosso, OSA, Prior Provincial of the Saint Monica Province of Brazil, who gratefully highlighted the recent Episcopal Consecration of the first Brazilian Augustinian bishop, Fr. Marcio Vidal de Negreiros.

Subsequently, Fr. Benjamín García, OSA,  Assistant General for Latin America and the Caribbean, conveyed greetings from Pope Leo XIV and the Prior General of the Order, emphasizing the coherence of the Augustinian charism, the work of synodality, and some guidelines from the last General Chapter related to the life and mission of OALA.

One of the most significant moments was the farewell and handover of responsibilities by Fr. Marcio Vidal, OALA Secretary General (2023–2025), who expressed his gratitude for the experience of serving the brotherhood on this continent, expressing his trust in the Lord and his gratitude for the journey shared with the Board.

Election of the Interim Secretary General

In the afternoon, and in accordance with the OALA Statutes, the election of the new Interim Secretary General for the period January 2026 – April 2027 took place. After the process of discernment, the withdrawal of some candidates, and the final secret ballot, the Assembly confirmed Fr. Marco Antonio Luna Medrano, OSA, as the new Interim Secretary General. Father Marco Antonio Luna Medrano is currently the Provincial Superior of the Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Province of Michoacán (Mexico), a position he has held for two consecutive terms since July 2018, and which he will continue until July 2026.

He made his Solemn Profession in 2000 and was ordained to the priesthood on November 13, 2006. He holds a Licentiate in Consecrated Life from the Claretian University of Rome, a qualification that complements his experience in accompanying and fostering religious life.

The new Interim Secretary General accepted the appointment with a spirit of service, assuming the mission of animating, coordinating, and strengthening the life and mission of OALA until the Ordinary General Assembly in April 2027, which will be held in San Salvador.

The meeting continued with reports from the various areas of OALA and the planning of continental activities, and concluded with the celebration of Holy Mass, presided over by the Assistant General, bringing the day to a close in thanksgiving and hope.

OALA thus renews its commitment to walking together, strengthening Augustinian religious life and its service to the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean.