After a prayer service organized by the COTAF conference, the participants heard a reflection given by the facilitator of the Congress, Miguel Alvarez, on the reports of the small groups presented the previous day. These reflections were on the process of exclusion characterized by a tension between the logic of the dominant system and the logic of a reaction centered in the plurality which arises from below.
The participants then met in small groups to discuss the previous day, Miguel’s observations, and the questions: “How are the excluded responding?” and “How are the excluded organizing themselves?”
Afternoon Session
In the afternoon, first the secretaries of the small groups presented the results of their discussions. Unlike yesterday, when clear themes emerged from the small group discussions, today there was little agreement on how the excluded are responding or organizing themselves. Responses varied from little apparent organization to participants seeing new structures emerging. There were various opinions on the value of NGOs, with some participants seeing them as problematic and others saying that the NGOs do valuable work in their areas.
In the second half of the afternoon, the participants discussed the results of the small groups. Again, no common themes emerged. Miguel Alvarez made an attempt at summarizing the day. He said, “Today we have the challenge of speaking the truth.” He said the friars have to be with the excluded and, at the same time, analyze and denounce the cause of the exclusion. The example of Francis is more than ever useful today.
Miguel Parafox welcomed the participants on behalf of the rector of the university. He told the participants that the university was excited about the gathering, and that the university has been moving to make more educational opportunities available to the excluded of Brazil.
The day closed with a prayer at the temporary chapel constructed at the hotel, and in the evening the participants enjoyed a concert of viola music typical of this region.
