In an atmosphere of fraternity, prayer and joy, the 2026 IDYM International Elective
Assembly took place in Santiago, Chile. During these days, representatives of the
Dominican Youth Movement from different countries gathered to share experiences,
strengthen bonds of fraternity and closeness, and discern together the path for the youth
movement over the next four years.
The gathering was held at the Institute of Spirituality of the Dominicans in Las Condes,
hosted by the Province of San Agustín in Argentina and Chile. As part of this gathering, the
solemn Eucharist in memory of Saint Dominic was presided over by Fr. Juan José Baldini,
O.P., host Provincial Prior.
During the first days, various moments of fellowship and fraternity were experienced,
accompanied by activities and formative sessions. Among these were formation sessions
such as "Looking Again: The Women of the Bible between Scripture and Art," given by
Cristina Expósito, outgoing IDYM Formation Promoter; the talk "Toward a New
Spirituality of Governance in the Order," led by Fr. Juan José Baldini, O.P.; and the
formation session "A Church That Listens, Heals and Protects," given by Ginet Zevallos,
National Coordinator of the MJD in Peru.
The young assembly participants also had the opportunity to visit some significant sites in
the city of Santiago. Guided tours were organized in the company of teachers and students
from the Academia de Humanidades school to Cerro San Cristóbal, the Recoleta Dominica
church, and the Dominican History Museum. There was also time for fellowship, in spaces
such as karaoke night, the Cultural Evening, and Chilean Night, which continued to
strengthen the sense of community among those present.
Starting on Wednesday, the Elective Assembly formally began. Beforehand, participants
took part in the Eucharist of the Holy Spirit, presided over by Fr. Fernando Delgado, O.P.,
Socius to the Master of the Order for Latin America and the Caribbean and his delegate at
the gathering, placing the discernment process underway into his hands. Afterward, the
members of the 2022–2026 International Commission presented reports on each of their
respective areas. Following this exercise in listening, dialogue, and discernment, the
elective process took place, concluding with the election of the new IDYM International
Commission for the 2026–2030 term:
International Coordinator: Carlos Fernando Beltrán, MJD Colombia
Mission Promoter: Joaquín Miguel Castillón, MJD Philippines
Finance Promoter: Wilson Domingos Amado, MJD Mozambique
Formation Promoter: Ginet Zevallos, MJD Peru
Communications Promoter: Andrea Nieto Martínez, MJD Mexico
With the new International Commission elected, the following days were dedicated to
committee work, sharing proposals, reflections, and ideas to discern and formalize the
effective conclusions of this Assembly for the coming four-year term.
The Assembly also included spaces for prayer and fraternity. Notable among these was
Eucharistic Adoration by candlelight, in line with the tradition of MJD Mexico, as well as
vespers and communal prayers with the friars and religious sisters who accompanied the
gathering.
Cultural richness was also present on one of the final nights, when each participating
country shared a tradition or expression of its own identity. This exchange revealed the
diversity that characterizes the Dominican Youth Movement while, at the same time,
strengthening the bonds that unite its members across borders.
The Assembly concluded on Saturday with the Closing Eucharist. During the celebration,
the meaning of the Dominican Pentecost was recalled, inviting the young people to bring
what they experienced during these days back to their communities and to share the fruits
of the gathering upon returning to their respective countries.
