As part of the celebrations marking 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 in the Franciscan Reflection Days, taking place in Caracas on September 1, 2, and 3, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., at the Padre Pio Hall of Chiquinquirá Church.
As early as January 2005, Prof. Carbajo gave a series of conferences to the Friars Minor, Conventuals, and Capuchins in Caracas, and subsequently visited the communities in Cagua, Ciudad Bolívar, and El Tigre. His participation on this occasion therefore represents a special opportunity to renew his encounter with the Franciscan Family of Venezuela.
Originally scheduled for different dates, the Reflection Days were reorganized because of the terrible tragedy caused by the earthquake and the difficult situation currently facing the country. For this reason, Prof. Carbajo will participate online from San Diego, California (USA), where he is currently teaching. His participation will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. (Venezuela time). During the day, Prof. Carbajo will give two presentations on topics of particular relevance to contemporary Franciscan reflection:
- “The Franciscan Economy and Its Contemporary Relevance”
- “Brother Robot: Technology and Theology from a Franciscan Perspective”
Both topics are central to his recent research and address two fundamental questions for the Church’s evangelizing mission in today’s world: the contribution of the Franciscan tradition to a more human and fraternal economy, and ethical and theological discernment in the face of the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and new technologies. On the latter topic, Prof. Carbajo has recently published a new book entitled
Brother Robot: Artificial Intelligence and Franciscan Humanism.
To ensure that the presentations can proceed even in the event of technical difficulties with the Internet connection, Prof. Carbajo has also prepared both talks in video format. These will be available in Caracas as an alternative should they be needed.
The Reflection Days, organized by the Franciscan Family of Venezuela, provide an opportunity for encounter, formation, and spiritual growth around themes such as economy, technology, fraternity, and spirituality. They are open not only to members of the Franciscan Family, but also to bishops, pastoral workers, and the wider Church in Venezuela. The aim is to foster spaces for dialogue and reflection that can help renew and apply the Franciscan charism in response to the social, economic, cultural, and technological challenges of our time.
In addition to Prof. Carbajo, Fr. Jaime Rey, OFM Cap., from Madrid, has 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 St. Francis of Assisi into dialogue with the major challenges of the twenty-first century.
