Two lectures: 1) Franciscan economics 2) Technology and theology

Within the framework of the celebrations of the Eighth Centenary of the Passing of St. Francis and the Franciscan Jubilee, the Franciscan Family of Venezuela has invited Prof. Martín Carbajo-Núñez, OFM, to participate as a speaker at the Franciscan Reflection Days, which will take place in Caracas from September 2 to 5, 2026. For Prof. Carbajo, this will be a welcome return to Venezuela: in January 2005, he had already offered formation sessions for the Friars Minor, Conventual Franciscans, and Capuchin Franciscans in Caracas, and subsequently visited the fraternities of Cagua, Ciudad Bolívar, and El Tigre.

Originally scheduled from September 2 to 4, the event has been extended through September 5 in order to facilitate Prof. Carbajo’s travel from San Diego, California, and to allow his participation in the program.

During the closing day, Prof. Carbajo will deliver two lectures on topics of particular relevance to contemporary Franciscan reflection:

• “Franciscan Economics and Its Contemporary Relevance”
• “Brother Robot: Technology and Theology from a Franciscan Perspective”

Both themes are at the heart of his recent research and address two key challenges facing the Church’s evangelizing mission today: the contribution of the Franciscan tradition to a more human and fraternal economy, and the ethical and theological discernment required in response to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

The event is open not only to members of the Franciscan Family but also to bishops, pastoral ministers, religious, and all those interested in the life and mission of the Church in Venezuela. Its aim is to foster formation and dialogue that can help renew the Franciscan charism in light of the social, economic, cultural, and technological challenges of our time.

In addition to Prof. Carbajo, Fr. Jaime Rey, OFM Cap., from Madrid, has already confirmed his participation, together with other invited speakers.

Through this initiative, the Franciscan Family of Venezuela joins the international celebrations of the Franciscan Centenary, promoting a reflection that brings the spiritual heritage of Saint Francis of Assisi into dialogue with the major challenges of the twenty-first century.