Dear Brethren,
Our beloved institution has special characteristics, for its history, the fraternal way it has developed all Lodge's work and the relentless practice of our customs. - In assuming leadership of the Serene Grand Lodge in this new period, I expressed my Brethren the desire to implement a government program based on three themes: Unity - Development and Spirituality.
We must strengthen the Unit, working permanently for strengthen fraternal ties between the Brothers and their families through family integration as well as recreation, involving training for our sisters and nephews, with illustrative talks on topics of general interest and in benefit of the families. Also we will institutionalize the "Masonic Gatherings" where are debated Masonic topics and of general interest, in the last Friday of each month, coordinated by a group of Brothers of various Lodges and sponsored by our Grand Lodge, constituted a Masonic meeting place.
In parallel, all Worshipful Master's visits should be encouraged between the Lodges, for a greater understanding of the activity of each and facilitate the exchange of experiences.
In the first meeting of our Worshipful Masters held on August 7th, 2010, we took the first step in implementing a new administrative model of development based on strategic planning, for which, with the support of an interdisciplinary group of Brothers we have done an exercise to define the vision, mission, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, extracting from it the most suitable strategies for a minimum of ten-year horizon. We already make a call to all Masons of Serene National Grand Lodge of Colombia to participate in these shifts.
We have also committed to encourage the spirituality by running a work on behalf of the School of Masonic Education "Aranza Carlos Castro"and the ILEC, with courses for trainees and colleagues, seminars and conferences for all active members and contributors of all Lodges, with the aim of raising the level of knowledge on the history of Freemasonry, Masonic Symbolism, Masonic ritual, Secularism and culture in general on esoteric subjects.
I want to thank all the Brothers based in Grand Lodge for their unanimous support for my election and the support of our Worshipful Masters, which forces me to persevere in order to maintain peace and harmony in the East, under the protection of the Grand Architect of the Universe.
Ildefonso Baldiris Silva
Serene Grand Master
National Grand Lodge of Colombia
at Cartagena de Indias
