This July, Bro. Hugo Fernando Morales Ballesteros, A.A. made his annual spiritual retreat at the historic Desierto de la Candelaria in Ráquira, Boyacá—Colombia’s second oldest monastery, founded in 1604. Surrounded by silence and prayer, the retreat offered him a deeply renewing experience.
Due to his stay in Colombia for visa and passport renewal, Bro. Hugo couldn’t attend the Assumptionist retreat. But with the generous support of Fray Chi Ai, Father Provincial, and a warm welcome from Fr. Alexander López, Prior of the Monastery, he was able to enter fully into the spirit of retreat.
This time in solitude and reflection grounded him anew in his vocation and strengthened his connection to God and the broader Church. He returns to ministry with a grateful heart and a renewed sense of purpose.
