The topic was “Work for Peace,” and Dina Shabalina, OFS, discussed it from a unique perspective – from someone in the midst of war. It wasn’t easy for her, but, as she pointed out, it’s what Franciscans do. Dina is the Presidency councillor for northern Europe. She presented Nov. 16 via Zoom because she had …
WORK FOR PEACE: When the words of the Gospel make you hurt, pray… Read More »
One might say Nov. 16 was a day of peace, justice and business for the General Chapter. In addition to approving a three-year budget for the international Order, capitulars and observers heard presentations on OFS examples of answering, as Pope Francis put it, the “cry of the poor” and the “cry of the earth.” There …
ROME – The body of the General Chapter overwhelmingly approved a budget on Nov. 16 for the operation of the International Fraternity over the next three years. The budget includes €276,643 for 2025, €283,594 for 2026, and €290,661 for 2027. Annual contributions from national fraternities make up the majority of revenues, with the balance coming …
Fr. Massimo Fusarelli, the minister general of the OFM friars, began his General Chapter homily Nov. 16 by thanking the Lord “for the gift of your vocation as Secular Franciscans.” The OFS is “in ordinary contact with people and situations in the world” – a calling to be “with and among people.” Friar Massimo referred …
A vocation to be with and among people – an untiring prayer Read More »
The day began with enthusiasm and a shared sense of hope and mission, thanks in part to the minister general of the Conventual Franciscan friars as well as Franciscan Youth, or YouFra. Friar Carlos Alberto Trovarelli, OFM Conv., minister general, said it was “a real privilege” to be invited “to preside over the Eucharist” at …
LOVE OF GOD ROME — A panel discussion on several types of love was among the highlights of the General Chapter on Nov. 14. Former Presidency Councillor Michel Janian from Lebanon said signs of God’s love are everywhere — in creation, in Christ, the Bible, the Rule, the writings of St. Francis. Living God’s love …
Panelists: Love of God, Love for Others, Love of Self Read More »
In addition to being minister general of the Third Order Regular friars, Amando Trujillo Cano, TOR, is a singer/songwriter. So, it didn’t come as a great surprise when he brought his music to the General Chapter mass on Nov. 14. Following his homily on the need to be tirelessly counter-cultural in the face of local …
Delivering the General Chapter’s keynote address, Michèle Altmeyer, OFS, first pointed to Saint Paul’s comment on Jesus: “He loved us.” And “so begins Pope Francis’ encyclical of 24 October 2024, “Dilexit nos”, “He has loved us””. Then she pointed to St. Francis of Assisi. “At the height of his spiritual life, an immense praise of …
Keynote presentation addresses our response to God’s love Read More »
ROME – The voting body of the Secular Franciscan Order’s General Chapter overwhelmingly approved its revised International Statute on Nov. 12. At the previous General Chapter in 2021, the Statute of the International Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order was approved ‘ad experimentum’. This means that during the past three years, its practical application was …
General Chapter approves revised International Statute Read More »
Chatter and giggles erupted several times during the homily on Nov. 12, the fourth day of the General Chapter. It was because the celebrant, Fr. Fernando Ventura, OFM Cap., was telling chapter attendees to look in each other’s eyes, to really see the person, to embrace their dignity and their humanity. So, they turned to …
Embrace one another and work harder to build a better world Read More »
