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 … Friar praises OFS while YouFra spreads joy Read More »...

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 … Singing friar urges OFS to be counter-cultural Read More »...

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 »...