2016 f 3 raternus NUNTIUS Notitiarium Fratrum Minorum Conventualium July – August – September ENGLISH EDITION 2 CONTENTS QQ GENERAL OFFICES SGF Events of the SGF ........................................................................... Africa: Formation of Guardians ................................................. SGAM Forging Unity in Mission .............................................................. Brussels: Course for New Missionaries .................................... GPSC Montreal: World Social Forum ................................................... M.I. M.I. International President Visits Brazil ................................. M.I. at World Youth Day ................................................................ OFS New OFS General Assistant ........................................................ 10 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 GENERAL FINANCIAL OFFICE Solidarity Bulletin Board ............................................................. 16 QQ CONFERENCES/FEDERATIONS AFCOF Kenya: Priestly Ordination ........................................................... 17 Ghana: Religious Events ................................................................ 17 Tanzania: Religious Events ........................................................... 18 Zambia: Religious Events .............................................................. 19 Uganda: Year of Surprises ............................................................. 20 Burkina Faso: Jubilee of the Mission ........................................ 21 Africa: Meeting of the Economs ................................................. 22 Kenya: Solemn Vows ...................................................................... 22 AFCOF Meets the Mission Center .............................................. 23 Zambia and Malawi on Pilgrimage............................................ 23 CEO The Franciscan Provincials to the Young People of WYD 2016 ............................................ 24 CEF Fribourg: Inauguration of the Friary ......................................... 25 CFF The CFF Federation Postulancy .................................................. 26 The Novitiate of the CFF: Investiture and Simple Profession ............................................. 27 Meeting of Two Ministers Provincial ........................................ 28 FALC Brazil: Provincial Events ................................................................. 29 Brazil: FALC Ordinary Assembly .................................................. 29 Brazil: Priestly Ordination ............................................................. 30 The Minister General in Brazil ..................................................... 31 Cuba: Second Novitiate ............................................................... 31 Chile: Formation Week .................................................................. 32 FAMC Indonesia: Formation Events ...................................................... 33 Vietnam: Formation Events ......................................................... 34 Japan: 75th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of St. Maximilian .............................................................................. 34 The Philippines: First Profession of Vows ................................ 35 Vietnam: Events on the Formation Journey .......................... 35 FIMP Getting to Know Friar Quirico Pignalberi ............................... 37 FIMP Formators Meeting .............................................................. 38 FIMP Second Novitiate................................................................... 38 Summer Mission on the Tiber...................................................... 39 Romania: Newly Professed ........................................................... 40 Itinerancy on the “Ruta Jacobea” ............................................... 40 QQ CHAPTER Kenya: Ordinary Chapter – Part II .............................................. 41 Spain: Ordinary Chapter – Part II ............................................... 41 Ghana: Extraordinary Chapter .................................................... 42 Zambia: Ordinary Provincial Chapter – Part II ....................... 43 QQ DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Statistics .............................................................................................. 44 Resting in God .................................................................................. 45 n FRATERNUS NUNTIUS: Notitiarium Fratrum Minorum Conventualium [3/2016] n A work of the General Secretariat, 00187 Roma, Piazza Ss. Apostoli, 51; tel. (+39) 06.69957319; fax (+39) 06.69957321 n www.ofmconv.net n [email protected] n Executive Editor and DTP – Friar Ryszard Wróbel, OFMConv n Executive Editor of English text and English translations – Friar Mark Folger, OFM Conv. [mf] n The current edition was closed on September 30, 2016 FraternusNuntius 3/2016 CALENDAR OF THE MINISTER GENERAL ................................... 3 QQ GENERAL DEFINITORY Sessions June 27, July 2 and August 7, 2016 ............................ 3 Session held September 12-17, 2016 .......................................... 5 QQ NEWS Latin America and the Caribbean: 70th Anniversary of the OFM Conv. ................................................................................ 7 The Ministers General to the Young People ............................. 8 New Polish Language Translator................................................... 9 Chapter III of the Constitutions in Friaries.................................. 9 3 MINISTER GENERAL Friar Marco TASCA CALENDAR OF THE MINISTER GENERAL JULY 27/6-2/7: 11-17: 26-31: Rome: session of the General Definitory Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): FALC Congress Cracow (Poland): World Youth Day AUGUST 4: 15-20: 22-28: Assisi-St. Mary of the Angels: meeting with Pope Francis Bahia-Brazil: fraternal visit and meeting with the MinistersProvincial Chile: fraternal visit SEPTEMBER 2-9: 12-17: 18-24: Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Jordan Rome: session of the General Definitory Rome-Assisi: Meeting with the Ministers Provincial, Custodes and Provincial Delegates (second part) GENERAL DEFINITORY General Secretariat Friar Vincenzo MARCOLI Secretary General Sessions June 27, July 2 and August 7, 2016 approved the minutes of its meeting held May 16-21, 2016; was informed by the Assistant General for the CFF, Friar Jude WINKLER, that some religious of the Congregation of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate have expressed the desire to enter our Order; was updated by the Assistant General for the CEF, Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ, on the program of the meetings of the Franciscan Youth who participated in World Youth Day (WYD) 2016 in Cracow; agreed on some minor adjustments made to the program for the meeting of the General Definitory with about half of the members of the Assemblies of the Conferences and Federations, held September 18-24, 2016, in Rome and Assisi; appointed Friar Alfred PARAMBAKATHU, of the Province of India, General Assistant for the Secular Franciscan Order; was informed by the General Econom, Friar Nicola ROSA, about some financial issues and given some guidance; FraternusNuntius 3/2016 At its sessions held at the friary of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome and Capuchin friary in Tonadico, Province of Trento, Italy, the General Definitory: listened to the reports on a series of visits conducted by the Assistants General to various Jurisdictions: from the Assistant General for the AFCOF, Friar Tadeusz ŚWIĄTKOWSKI, on the occasion of the first part of the Ordinary Provincial Chapter of the Province of Zambia (June 13-17, 2016); the Custodial Chapter of the Provincial Custody of Kenya (June 20-23, 2016); from the Assistant General for the CEF, Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ, on the occasion of his meeting with the Provincial Definitory of his native Province of Croatia (May 23, 2016); his joint meeting with the Definitories of the Provinces of Croatia and Slovenia (June 15, 2016); the Custodial Chapter of the Provincial Custody of Austria-Switzerland (June 20-23, 2016); from the Assistant General for the CEO, Friar Jacek CIUPIŃSKI, on the occasion of the second part of the Provincial Chapter of the Polish Province of Gdansk (May 23-28, 2016); the second part of the Provincial Chapter of the Polish Province of Warsaw (May 30– June 7, 2016); the second part of the Provincial Chapter of the Province of the Czech Republic (June 14-17, 2016); from the Assistant General for the FAMC, Friar Benedict BAEK, on the occasion of his meeting with the Custodial Definitory of the Provincial Custody of the Philippines (May 25–June 1, 2016); his recent visit to the presence in China (June 8-14, 2016); from the Assistant General for the FIMP, Friar Joaquín AGESTA CUEVAS, on the occasion of his visit to the Italian Province of Sardinia (June 21-24, 2016); met with Friar Franco RAPACCHIALE, Minister Provincial of the Italian Province of Abruzzo; met with the Secretary General for Formation, Friar Louis PANTHIRUVELIL and Vice-Secretary Friar Giulio CESAREO; listened to and commented on reports made by the General Visitators at the end of their canonical visitations, namely: Friar Jude WINKLER, on his canonical visitation to the Province of Korea; Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, on his canonical visitation to the Provincial Custody of San Bonaventure, Maranhão, Brazil; suppressed the friary of San Francesco in Cortona, Diocese of Arezzo, Italy (December 31, 2016); suppressed the friary of San Gregorio in Mogliano, Archdiocese of Fermo, Italy (April 23, 2017); suppressed the friary of San Pietro in Calibano, Diocese of Pesaro, Italy (April 23, 2017); suppressed the friary of the Beata Vergine Annunziata in Fossanova, Diocese of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno, Italy , (April 23, 2017); suppressed the friary of Sant’Antonio in Boccadasse, Genoa, Italy, (September 17, 2016); supported the decision of the Italian Province of the Marches to close (suspend) the community of the friary of San Francesco in the Republic of San Marino; declared the changes to the Provincial Statutes of the Polish Province of Cracow, put forward by its Provincial Chapter, to be in conformity with the law of the Order; examined and discussed plans for collaboration with a particular organization regarding the presence of the Order in China; was informed an inter-Franciscan meeting would be held on July 11, 2016, in Assisi; listened to the report of the Vicar General on his June 21 meeting with the guardians of the General Houses; listened to a report on the “Pro Dialogue”; formation meeting sponsored by the CEFID, June 15-18, 2016, in Corfu, Greece, on the theme: “Immigration and Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue”; met with the Definitory of the Italian Province of Puglia; agreed with the appointment of Friar Sławomir GAJDA as translator for the Polish language at the General Curia; was informed by the Vicar General about the Italian language course organized by the Seraphicum; decided that the General Album of the Order will published after being updated to January 1, 2018; examined some personal cases. 4 FraternusNuntius 3/2016 GENERAL DEFINITORY GENERAL DEFINITORY 5 Session held September 12-17, 2016 approved the minutes of its meetings held June 27–July 2 and August 7, 2016; was updated on the request of some religious of the Congregation of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate to enter our Order; accepted the resignation of Friar Michele PELLEGRINI as Minister Provincial of the Italian Province of Puglia; discussed and then approved the draft of the declaration of intent between the Order and the John Paul II Foundation Onlus; updated the program for the meeting between the Minister General and some members of the General Definitory with some Ministers Provincial and Custodes just before the meeting of September 18-24 with some of the members of the Assembly of the Conferences and Federations; listened to the reports on a series of visits conducted by the Assistants General to various Jurisdictions: from the Assistant General for the AFCOF, Friar Tadeusz ŚWIĄTKOWSKI, on the occasion of his fraternal visit to the Provincial Delegation of Burkina Faso (September 5-10, 2016); from the Assistant General for the FAMC, Friar Benedict BAEK, on the occasion of his visit to the mission in Vietnam (August 27, 2016); his visit to the Provincial Definitory of the Province of Korea (August 2, 2016); his visit to the Province of Japan for the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Martyrdom of St. Maximilian KOLBE (August 14, 2016); from the Assistant General for the FIMP, Friar Joaquín AGESTA CUEVAS, on the occasion of the second part of the Provincial Chapter of the Italian Province of Abruzzo (July 1820, 2016); his meeting with the Definitory and guardians of the Italian Province of Puglia (September 6, 2016); from the Assistant General for the CFF, Friar Jude WINKLER, on the occasion of his meeting in Austin, Texas, USA, with the Ministers Provincial of the Provinces of Our Lady of Consolation and Our Lady of Guadalupe, and with the Assistant General for the FALC, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, also present (September 2, 2016); his fraternal visit for the opening of the CFF postulancy program in Chicago (August 6, 2016); from the Assistant General for the FALC, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, on the occasion of the meetings that he and the Minister General attended with the fraternities in the states of Bahia and Paraiba, Brazil (August 16-19, 2016); the Ordinary Assembly of the FALC Federation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (July 10-13, 2016); approved the suppression of the five Italian Provinces: the Province of Our Seraphic Father St. Francis in Umbria, with headquarters at Piazza San Francesco, 8, Perugia, Italy; the Province of the Holy House of Our Lady of Loreto in the Marches, with headquarters at Via Scale San Francesco, 8, Ancona, Italy; the Province of the Holy Stigmata of Our Holy Father St. Francis in Tuscany, with headquarters at Piazza Santa Croce, 16, Florence, Italy; the Province of Sts. Peter and Paul, and St. Bonaventure in Rome, with headquarters at Via Lungotevere della Farnesina, 12, Rome, Italy; the Province of the Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Sardinia, with headquarters at Via Duomo 10, Oristano, Italy; and the erection of the Italian Province of St. Francis of Assisi with headquarters at Piazza San Francesco, 9, Foligno, Italy, effective April 24, 2017; approved the transitional norms for celebrating the first Provincial Chapter of the soon-tobe-erected Italian Province of St. Francis; with the General Econom, Friar Nicola ROSA present, approved the balance sheet for the General Administration for the first half of 2016; was updated by the General Financial Office on some financial issues and on the extraordinary maintenance work currently underway at the friary of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome; listened to and commented on the report made by a General Visitator at the end of his canonical visitation, namely: FraternusNuntius 3/2016 At its session held at the friary of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome, the General Definitory: GENERAL DEFINITORY 6 Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, to the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception in Brazil; was informed by the Vicar General about the development of the Jerusalem project which aims to build an inter-Franciscan community, and expressed support for the project; granted nulla osta to the acceptance of the parish of the Ugandan Martyrs in Munyono, Uganda; suppressed the friary of San Antonio Doctor in Sarandí del Yi, Uruguay, effective September 17, 2016; authorized the Italian Province of the Marches to take out a mortgage; authorized the Province of Spain to dispose of a property; was updated on the recent meeting of the Italian Federation of Urbanist Poor Clares which was attended by the Most Reverend José RODRIGUEZ CARBALLO, Secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life; gave some operational guidelines to the General Delegate for Justice, Peace and Safeguarding Creation, Friar Joseph BLAY; was informed about, and supported, the proposal to coordinate friars working electronic media; was informed about, and approved, the program for the meeting of the General Definitory with the friars in charge of the General Offices scheduled for October 5-7, 2016; began preparations for the meeting on January 15-21, 2017, at the General Curia, for the Ministers Provincial, Provincial Secretaries and Provincial Custodes who were elected in 2015 and 2016; examined some personal cases. Minister General [email protected] Vicar General [email protected] Secretary General [email protected] Procurator General [email protected] General Archivist [email protected] General Econom General Exactor [email protected] Office of Statisitcs [email protected] Revision of the Constitutions [email protected] Editorial Board of Commentarium Ordinis [email protected] FraternusNuntius 3/2016 [email protected] 7 NEWS Latin America and the Caribbean: 70th Anniversary of the OFM Conv. Friar Marcos Quesada, OFM Conv. The context of the 70th anniversary of the Order’s arrival in Latin America inspired the MireFALC (Ministry of Reflection of the Federación Conventuales America Latina) to organize a celebrative Congress. The participants The participants FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The Congress took place in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), from July 13 to 17, 2016. The event was planned in great detail, with logistics that left nothing to chance. There was an opportunity to hear excellent presentations by friar brothers and other laypersons. There was even a Poor Clare sister who left her cloister for a moment to speak about women’s contributions to Franciscanism. The approach to topics varied from very systematic and academic study to very experiential and anecdotal insights. An honest effort made to think critically about ourselves as friars in Latin America, and from that critical reflection, to discern new challenges and lines of action. The methodology was dynamic and varied: there was group work, ideas were proposed, cyberspace was discussed, there were rich liturgical moments, there was relaxation through spontaneous fraternal recreation, and more. The Minister General, Friar Marco Tasca, and his Definitory, participated wholeheartedly during the Congress; and the same must be said of each of the regional Ministers, the brother friars who serve in the Brazilian episcopate (three of them took part in the Congress), and the other confreres as well. Questions were asked that sought contextualized answers: What is meant by New Evangelization? What new questions arise from one’s daily contexts? How can a Franciscan life be forged that is more evangelical and testimonial? What image do we want to convey of ourselves? The participants at the Congress practiced the exhortation of St. Francis: “And wherever the brothers may be and meet one another, let them show that they are members of the same family” (Later Rule VI: 7). This familiarity was one of the lasting good impressions left by the Congress in Rio. The friars of Latin America want to respond with creative options and proposals, just as the friars of the early days did in their own time. NEWS 8 The Ministers General to the Young People Franciscan Family Conference to YouFra. Our Seraphic Brother Saint Francis showed himself to be a true lover of God’s mercy. Finding himself deeply loved by the “Father of Mercies” (cf. 2Cor. 1:3) while still in his youth, the poor man of Assisi allowed this virtue to embrace his life and become in him availability, movement and liberation. Francis himself manifested this dynamism when he wrote in his Testament that the Lord led his heart so he could go among the lepers, giving and receiving mercy (cf. Test. 2-3). In this direction, inspired by St. Francis, we want to make a triple invitation to young people around the world, and so we invite you to participate in this upcoming World Youth Day. The first invitation is to be available, to cultivating a gentleness of heart, a heart that seeks direction in one’s life. Francis was an eternal seeker, an idealist who was trying to fulfill his dream. At first his dream was focused on climbing the social ladder. Then it became a deep desire to conform to Christ. Precisely because his heart was open to understanding the manifestations of God’s love within his own story, young Francis managed to redefine the direction of his life and fill it with profound meaning. Dear young people, never lose this sense of being available. Always remain attentive to the many manifestations of mercy that the Lord gives to his daughters and sons. Listen with affection to the guidance of those who love you. Be brothers and sisters in solidarity with suffering people, particularly those who have been condemned to the invisibility of exclusion from a society that lives on the basis of profits: the poor, the sick, refugees, abandoned children, the elderly and many others. Always keep a healthy openness (availability) to dialogue and coexistence among the diversity that characterizes our time. Never abandon the life of prayer which lets you experience the action of God. His action touches and transforms the human heart. Never lose this availability inspired by the Lord! The second call is to movement. We cannot remain in our institutions, or get used to a comfortable life, because our Seraphic brother left us a legacy: a cloister as large as the world itself (cf. Sacrum Commercium 63). Pope Francis proposed a form of life that is typically Franciscan: that we be a church which goes forth, like a field hospital, a Samaritan church that assists the injured and abandoned on the side of the road (cf. Evangelii Gaudium). Speaking directly to the youth of Argentina during WYD 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Pope Francis issued an invitation that is certainly valid for young people all over the world. He urged: “Let me tell you what I hope will be the outcome of World Youth Day: I hope there will be noise. Here there will be noise, I’m quite sure. Here in Rio there will be plenty of noise, no doubt about that. But I want you to make yourselves heard in your dioceses, I want the noise to go out, I want the Church to go out onto the streets, I want us to resist everything worldly, everything static, everything comfortable, everything to do with clericalism, everything that might make us closed in on ourselves. The parishes, the schools, the institutions are made for going out...if they don’t, they become an NGO, and the Church cannot be an NGO. May the bishops and priests forgive me if some of you create a bit of confusion afterwards. That’s my advice. Thanks for whatever you can do.” Be young people in movement. The third invitation is to become liberated. Don’t make the same mistake made by the young rich person (Mk. 10:17-27) who possessed wealth, who perfectly observed the laws and precepts, but still felt that something was missing. Jesus looked at him with love – which is how he looks at each of you – and invited him to leave everything and follow him. The young man became sad because he preferred not to heed the call of the Lord, for he was very rich. Attachment to riches prevented him from experiencing the grace of being very close to God. Be inspired by Francis, who gave up all his wealth in exchange for the treasure of detachment, which turned him into a liberated man, free to love God, people and all creatures. He became a brother to all in his complete liberation. Give yourselves freely and without reservation to Christ and his plans. Be bearers of mercy and offer mercy to all those you meet on the adventure of following Christ. May this mercy dominate your every thought – so that you can devote all your intelligence your talent to serving Justice – let it dominate your heart – so that FraternusNuntius 3/2016 World Youth Day 2016: Dear young Franciscans all over the world, may the Lord give you peace! 9 NEWS it pulsates with love for God, a love made manifest in every situation – let it dominate your feet – so you can walk, without tiring, to existential and geographical peripheries – let it dominate your hands – so they can reach out to everyone needing help. The more generously you liberate yourself, the more you will be conformed; as the Lord says: “To anyone who has, more will be given” (Mt. 13:12). These are the three invitations I humbly present to you. We greatly hope to see you in Cracow where, together with Christ and St. Francis, we may really experience these words of Scripture: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Mt. 5:7). Rome, July 11, 2016, the Feast of St. Benedict, Abbot. New Polish Language Translator The General Secretariat Friar Sławomir Gajda of the Polish Province of the Immaculate Mother of God (Warsaw) is the new translator for the Polish language at the General Curia. Friar Sławomir became a member of the General Curia community on September 1, 2016. He was born in Łowicz (Poland) on November 16, 1964, made his temporary vows on October 11, 1985 and his solemn vows on December 8, 1989. He was ordained a priest on May 18, 1991. Friar Sławomir replaces Friar Ryszard WRÓBEL of the Polish Province of St. Anthony of Padua and Blessed James of Strepar (Cracow). Friar Ryszard served as the Polish translator for the last eight years. Special thanks to him for his work. He will continue to head the Order’s Web site and Nuntius Fraternus. Friar Sławomir Gajda Chapter III of the Constitutions in Friaries Friar Timothy Kulbicki, Secretary, CERC/CIRC A good percentage of the friaries throughout the world (c. 46%) participated in the examination of Chapter III of the Constitutions as a continuing formation opportunity involving our identity. [email protected] www.ofmconv.net [email protected] FraternusNuntius 3/2016 Many thanks to the membership of CIRC, to the jurisdictional reference friars, and to the Friary Chapter secretaries. The majority of the friars continue to appreciate the more charismatic and spiritual tone of the new text and the references to the writings of St. Francis. Slightly under 500 suggestions (the majority of which were editorial or stylistic in nature) arrived at CERC and were examined in order to produce a second official draft text. A more detailed report can be found on the Web page of the Constitutions. 10 GENERAL OFFICES – [SGF] General Secretariat for Formation [SGF] General Secretariat for FriaFRiarrFriar Louis PANTHIRUVELIL Secretary General of the SGF Events of the SGF Friar Louis Panthiruvelil, OFM Conv. During July, August and September of 2016, Friar Louis Panthiruvelil, the Secretary General for Formation, held a series of formation meetings at different locations in the Order. On Thursday, July 28, he met with a group of friars taking part in the FIMP (Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali) “Second Novitiate” in Rivotorto. The meeting began with a reflection on formation and vocation in a multicultural context within the Order. It ended with the celebration of Mass presided over by Friar James McCurry, the Minister Provincial of the U.S. Our Lady of the Angels Province. On September 16, Friar Louis attended a preparatory meeting for the UNIFRA Commission’s [Franciscan University Center] work at the Capuchin Curia in Rome. On September 18-24, Friars Louis and Giulio Cesareo, the Vice-Secretary General for formation, attended a fraternal meeting of the Ministers Provincial, Custodes and Provincial Delegates with the Minister General and his Definitory, in Rome and Assisi. On September 30, both of them, together with the Franciscan University Commission, took part in a meeting with all of the permanent university professors at the Antonianum. The meeting was led by the Capuchin Institute of Spirituality and the St. Bonaventure Pontifical Theological Faculty with a view towards creating a Franciscan University in Rome. The meeting was held at the Seraphicum International College. Africa: Formation of Guardians Friar Giulio Cesareo, OFM Conv. The meeting was held at the convent of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, in the Karen district of Nairobi, Kenya. At the same time, there was a meeting of the economs from the same Jurisdictions, led by the General Exactor, Friar Wojciech Kulig. Around eleven guardians attended the seminar along with the Custos of Kenya, Friar Kazimierz Szulc. The seminar addressed various theological-spiritual, psychological and legal aspects regarding the service of authority in our Franciscan communities. It was a joyful experience with alternating activities that included moments of fraternal sharing, lectures and personal prayer experience with the Word of God. At the final session of the seminar, the guardians joined with the economs for a joint meeting led by Friar Wojciech. The Kenyan experience continued with participation in a solemn profession ceremony in Kibwezi parish. Finally, in the last days before returning to Rome, ther was an opportunity to visit some of the communities in Kenya, in particular, the two formation houses: the postulancy house in Ruiri and the Saint Bonaventure post-novitiate house in Karen-Nairobi. FraternusNuntius 3/2016 On September 5-9, 2016, Friar Louis Panthiruvelil (Secretary General for Formation-SGF) accompanied by Friar Giulio Cesareo (Vice SGF), led an ongoing formation seminar for the guardians of the East African Jurisdictions: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. 11 GENERAL OFFICES – [SGAM] General Secretariat for Mission Animation [SGAM] Friar Jarosław WYSOCZAŃSKI Secretary General of the SGAM Forging Unity in Mission Friar Jarosław Wysoczański, OFM Conv. “The mission at the heart of our identity” (cf. the letter of the Minister General, Friar Marco Tasca). Every year during the holidays, especially in August, there is a lot of missionary animation activity. Friar Jarosław Wysoczański shows the relics of the martyrs to Pope Francis FraternusNuntius 3/2016 It is during this time that the SGAM quietly guides and serves many friars and lay groups that pass through Rome. This year, for the 25th anniversary of the martyrdom of Blessed Friars Miguel and Zbigniew, a Mass was celebrated next to the tomb of St. Peter, in Rome, as a sign of unity with the ecclesial community of Pariacoto. It was a simple celebration with a small group of friars from Rome and Assisi. Next was an interview on Vatican Radio to speak about the martyrdom and express joy at the beatification of the Friar Martyrs. One should also mention Pope Francis’ visit on July 30, 2016, to the Basilica of St. Francis in Cracow. While there, he venerated the relics of the Friar Martyrs and recited, for the very first time, the “Prayer for Peace and Protection against Terrorism”. In mid-August, a missionary experience was held with some friars from Korea. They came directly from Seoul and a pilgrimage was made with them to commemorate the martyrdom of St. Maximilian Kolbe. The pilgrimage included visits to Warsaw, Niepokalanów, Cracow and Auschwitz. After that, it continued to Madrid and on to Ponferrada (Spain), to serve at one of the many hostels on the Way of St. James. The mission there was to welcome and guide pilgrims and to serve in the maintenance of the hostel along with other volunteers. This was the first time the Korean friars had ever participated in the Way of St. James Project. After serving in Ponferrada, they took part in the fraternal life of two communities in the Province of Spain: Granollers and Barcelona. 12 GENERAL OFFICES – [SGAM] Brussels: Course for New Missionaries Friar Alphonse Vazhappanady, OFM Conv. The English language course for new missionaries got underway on September 5th, 2016, with Friars Jarosław Wysoczański, OFM Conv., Hugo Mejía, OFM Cap., and Luis Gallardo, OFM, in attendance. The participants [email protected] FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The above-mentioned friars are the Secretaries General for Missionary Animation for their respective Families. There are eleven friars participating. They are members of the Capuchins, Conventuals and OFMs. They are staying at the friary of Our Lady of the Nations in Brussels and are preparing for missions in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ethiopia, East Timor, Myanmar, the Philippines and India (Andhra Pradesh and Nagaland). The course is directed by Friar Gianfrancesco Sisto, OFM, and is animated by Friars John Peter Vallabadoss, OFM Cap., and Alphonse Vazhappanady, OFM Conv. The course will cover numerous topics including Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation; secularism In Europe; mission work In Asia; the cultures and religions of Africa; fraternal finances in the missions and the role of the leader. At the conclusion of the course there will be a week-long pilgrimage to Assisi and other Franciscan sites to hopefully share in the mission spirit and desire of the Poverello. The course is intended not only to share theoretical knowledge, but also, and much more importantly, to be an experience of fraternal life lived as mission: a simple lifestyle, an openness to a fraternal sharing of experiences and life, an opportunity for a full prayer schedule, a sharing of housework and some pastoral activities, and ministry among the poor and homeless. The OFM Conventual participants are Friar Josel Martinez (the Philippines) and Friars George Cyriac Thanaparambil and Jobin Entummkal (India). 13 GENERAL OFFICES – [GPSC] General Secretariat for Justice, Peace, and the Safeguarding of Creation [GPSC] FriarJoseph BLAY General Delegate for GPSC Montreal: World Social Forum Friar Joseph Blay, OFM Conv. On August 9-14, people from all over the world gathered for the 12th edition of the World Social Forum. The participants [email protected] FraternusNuntius 3/2016 About fifteen thousand people participated, including some two hundred social movements and organizations. The event took place in the city of Montreal, the capital of Canada’s Province of Quebec. Franciscans International sponsored a fourteen-member delegation of the Franciscan families in order to add a Franciscan voice to the universal cry for better Justice, Peace and Care for Creation in the world. Friar Joseph Blay, the General Delegate for Justice Peace and Safeguarding Creation (GPSC) and Friar Michael Laski, represented our Order. The Forum addressed issues that threaten peace, justice and integrity of creation such as mining, globalization, carbon pollution, fossil fuels, land rights, deforestation, food and water insecurity, and extreme poverty. Some of the participating movements and organizations shared their experiences of the success and frustration they have had with local governments. Franciscans International and the Global Catholic Climate Movement took advantage of the Forum to reiterate the message of Laudato Si’. 14 GENERAL OFFICES – [M. I.] The International President of the Militia of the Immaculate [M.I.] Friar Raffaele DI MURO International M.I. President M.I. International President Visits Brazil Friar Raffaele Di Muro, OFM Conv. On June 8-18, 2016, Friar Raffaele Di Muro, the International President of the Militia of the Immaculate (M.I.) visited Brazil. He was received very favorably by the members of the local chapters. They got to exchange ideas with him and have some fruitful discussions. During the procession M.I. at World Youth Day Friar Raffaele Di Muro, OFM Conv. A large group of young people from the Militia of the Immaculate (M.I.) participated in World Youth Day (WYD), in Cracow. Led by M.I. International Councilmember, Angela Morais and missionary Tiziana De Sabato, these young people were enriched thanks to this wonderful Church experience. It allowed FraternusNuntius 3/2016 Visiting the M.I. Centers in such a big country is not easy. Also, the pastoral situation of the M.I. in Brazil is quite diversified, given that the management of radio and TV stations is such a huge undertaking. However, it is also the pride of the kolbean Association in that country. The first place Friar Raffaele visited was the National M.I. Center in Sao Bernardo do Campo. This site is not only the M.I.’s headquarters in Brazil, it is also the center for its radio and television broadcasting services which extend into many regions of the country. The International President had some very meaningful discussions with the many professionals working at this Center. Later, visits were made to other locations where the M.I. is presented through “annexed” radio and television broadcasters: Atibaia (radio), Campo Grande (radio and television), Dorados (radio) and San Roque (radio). There were very interesting and enriching talks with the bishops in the places where the Association exists. Prelates everywhere appreciate the M.I. This was a very significant visit, since the M.I. in Brazil represents the cutting edge of the reality of the whole movement, in terms of numbers and apostolic profile. 15 GENERAL OFFICES – [M. I.] – [OFS] them to take the joy of belonging to Maximilian Kolbe’s Marian movement and transmit it to their peers. M.I. International had a booth at the event where young people were able to stop by and ask questions about how the Association developed. WYD was held in locations linked to Kolbe and this gave many a chance to reflect on his path of holiness. On July 26, 2016, the youth of the M.I., with all of its “young Franciscans”, met Minister General Friar Marco Tasca at the Basilica of St. Francis, in Cracow. The participants General Assistant for the Secular Franciscan Order [OFS] Friar Alfred PARAMBAKATHU General Assistant for the OFS New OFS General Assistant During the General Definitory meeting held in Rome, June 27 to July 2, 2016, the Minister General, with the consent of the General Definitory, appointed Friar Alfred Parambakathu as General Assistant of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS). His appointment took effect on July 31, 2016. Friar Alfred is a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Province of India. He was born in Vellaramkunnu, Kerala (India), on August 31, 1975. He made his temporary profession on May 1, 1995, his solemn profession on May 24, 2000, and was ordained to the priesthood on December 30, 2001. In 2007 he received a Ph.D. in Franciscan Spirituality at the Antonianum in Rome. He served as the Vicar Provincial of his Province from 2011 to 2015. In 2015, he became a Provincial Delegate for Andhra Pradesh. Friar Alfred is now a member of the St. Maximilian Kolbe community in Rome. He replaces Friar Martín Pablo Bitzer who held the same post for 12 years. FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The General Secretariat 16 SOLIDARITY BULLETIN BOARD General Financial Office K N A H T E M O S NOTES... YOU FOR THE MISSIONS: - The Prov. of Germany FOR THE FORMATION FUND: - The Friary of San Benedetto, Italy - The Prov. of St. Anthony, Italy - The Friary of San Marino, Republic of San Marino - The Prov. of O.L.C., USA FOR THE NEEDS OF THE ORDER: - The Friary of San Benedetto, Italy - The Friary of San Marino, Republic of San Marino - The Prov. of O.L.C., USA FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: - The Delegation of Holland THANKS also to those who have made donations using the communications channel of the GENERAL CURIA The financial aid administered by the General Curia isn’t the only circle of solidarity in the Order; in fact, there are commendable and exemplary solidarity initiatives, for example, between Mother Provinces and their Daughter Custodies or Delegations, or through ‘twinning’ thanks to the involvement of groups, institutions and parishes. We extend our thanks to you all! FraternusNuntius 3/2016 FOR OFFERING HOLY MASSES: - The Prov. of St. Anthony, Italy - The Cust. of Assisi, Italy € 17 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [AFCOF] African Federation of Conventual Franciscans [AFCOF] Friar Tadeusz ŚWIĄTKOWSKI Assistant General for the AFCOF Kenya: Priestly Ordination Friar Kazimierz Schulz, Custos The Custody of St. Francis of Assisi, in Kenya just finished the second part of its Ordinary Custodial Chapter. The Chapter was a time of great unity, understanding and fraternity. The new priests with the bishop and the superiors Ghana: Religious Events Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski, OFM Conv. Between late July and early August 2016, the Custody of Ghana had some major events related to various stages of initial formation. On Saturday, July 30, 2016, seven novices made their first religious profession at Saltpond. On Saturday, August 6, 2016, five new novices began their canonical novitiate year under the FraternusNuntius 3/2016 We were still feeling nourished by part one as we began the joyful celebration of part two. On July 17, 2016, we celebrated the ordination of four of our confreres to the priesthood. They are: Friars Stephen Ochwada Ochieno, Paul Maria Kiarie, Dominic Lenny Githengi and Timothy Machila. The friars were ordained by the Most Reverend David Kamau, Auxiliary Bishop of Nairobi The ordination took place in the parish of St. Francis in Limuru. 18 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [AFCOF] guidance of their Novice Master, Friar Moses Arthur. The novices are Emmanuel Sor, Anthony Romanu Donkoh, Abraham Appiah, Aaron Aboah (Ghana), and Komlan Ocloo and Vincent Gerard (Burkina Faso and Togo). The new novices Tanzania: Religious Events Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski, OFM Conv. On Tuesday, July 26, 2016, the novices of East African made their first religious profession at the novitiate in Arusha/ Poli Singhisi, Tanzania. The newly professed with their superiors FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The newly professed are: Friars Augustine Kaddu, Nicholas Lada, Paul Mutaasa and Edward Kironde of Uganda; Friars Boniphace Mutuku and Vincent Otieno of Kenya; and Friar Robert Msalila of Tanzania. The professions were made in the hands of the Provincial Custodes: Friar Krzysztof Cieślikiewicz (Tanzania), Friar Kazimierz Szulc (Kenya) and the Provincial Delegate of Uganda, Friar Wojciech Ulman. The new group of ten novices from East Africa celebrated the rite of vesting on Monday, July 25, 2016. The new novices are: Peter Mhina, Benedict Msoffe, Laurent Tarmo and Simon Shimbe of Tanzania; Samuel Wekesa, Samuel Muvea and Remmy Mukhwana of Kenya; and Alfred Kimera, Ronnie Kibagajjo and Patrick Musoke of Uganda. 19 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [AFCOF] The new novices Zambia: Religious Events Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski, OFM Conv. Between late July and early August 2016, the Province of Zambia had some major events related to various stages of initial formation. The new novices FraternusNuntius 3/2016 On Saturday, July 23, 2016, four friars (Nathan Kakubo, Anthony Chanda, Isaac Chanda and Peter Mwila Mbola) made their solemn profession into the hands of their newly elected Minister Provincial, Friar Richard Francis Chimfwembe. On Tuesday, August 2, 2016, six novices (Obino, John Kachinga, James Syamuchimba, Owen Mweemba Otala, Kingsley Chileshe and Anthony Kabamba) made their first religious profession at the Kitwe parish. The new group of seven novices (six Zambians and one Malawian) began their canonical novitiate year on Saturday, August 6, 2016, at the new center in Itimpi. Their Novice Master, Friar Joseph Ntumbila, will guide them with the help of his Assistant, Friar Tony Droll. 20 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [AFCOF] The friars who made their first profession The new solemnly professed friars Uganda: Year of Surprises Friar Adam Klag, OFM Conv. The Year of Mercy has brought some surprises to the Delegation of Uganda. One was missionary Friar Marian Gołąb’s being chosen to serve as the Minister Provincial of the Polish Province of St. Anthony of Padua and Bl. James of Strepar (Cracow). This forced Friar Marian to leave Uganda in order to take up his new office in Poland. The work of building the Munyonyo Shrine is ending. Currently, the friars of the Delegation are making intensive preparations for the consecration of the new church. The ceremony is scheduled for October 23, 2016. The Pope visited the site last year, during his apostolic visit to Uganda. On that occasion, the cornerstone of the new construction was consecrated. After the consecration, the Most Reverend Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, Archbishop of Kampala, will entrust the care of the parish to the Friars Minor Conventual. It is hoped that the construction of the friary will be finished by the inauguration date. A formation house will be located there as well. The Archbishop informed the friars that he would send the request to the Holy Father asking to make Munyonyo a minor basilica. The Delegation of Uganda expanded last July with the arrival of four new friars. After finishing their novitiate formation in Arusha (Tanzania), they made their first profession. Their formation will continue in Lusaka (Zambia) where the philosophy college for young African friars is located. FraternusNuntius 3/2016 “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). 21 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [AFCOF] The new temporarily professed friars with the Delegate Burkina Faso: Jubilee of the Mission Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski, OFM Conv. On September 5-10, 2016, the friars of the Provincial Delegation of Burkina Faso (Africa) held an Assembly for ongoing formation. The participants FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The meeting was fraternal and dealt with formation issues and reinvigorating missionary spirit. It took place at the friary Ouagadougou, the nation’s capital. The main reason for the Assembly was to give thanks to God for 15 years of continuous presence since the Order was first established in this country. The mission was founded in 2001 by friars from the Province of Abruzzo (Italy). They were: Friars Massimiliano Baccile, Lorenzo Valentini and Carmine Castiglione under the leadership of Minister Provincial Dominic Paoletti. Later, the mission came under the jurisdiction of the Province of Warsaw (Poland), under the leadership of Minister Provincial Grzegorz Bartosik. Currently, both Provinces collaborate and work together in all areas for the better running of the mission. The Assembly was attended by eleven friars, including those from Burkina Faso, as well as the Ministers Provincial of the two respective Provinces, Friars Wiesław Pyzio and Franco Rapacchiale; the former Vicar Provincial, Friar Fabrizio De Lellis; and the Assistant General for the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF), Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski. The theme of the Assembly was about rekindling enthusiasm for Franciscan and missionary vocation. Reflections were led by several friars who took part in the Assembly. Midway through the Assembly, a “Fraternal Chapter” was celebrated for the purpose of lifereview and planning future activities. Everyone appreciated this method of sharing in our common responsibility for the future of the Order’s presence in Burkina Faso. 22 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [AFCOF] Africa: Meeting of the Economs Friar Wojciech Kulig, General Exactor On September 7-9, 2016, the guardians of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania gathered together for a meeting in Nairobi (Kenya). At the same meeting, the economs of each respective Jurisdiction also met together. The meeting of the economs was led by the General Exactor, Friar Wojciech Kulig. Eight friars attended and were given presentations on various documents of the Church and the Order, on management issues, administration and accounting. In addition, the friars learned about issues related to decision making and time management. The sessions were augmented by discussion and practical exercises in accounting. The meeting closed with a final, joint session held between the guardians and the economs. It covered the topics of responsibility and the relationship between the guardian and the econom. The participants Kenya: Solemn Vows Friar Wojciech Kulig, General Exactor On Sunday, September 11, 2016, three friars of the Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Kenya professed their solemn vows. During the liturgy FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The ceremony was held at the Our Lady Help of Christians church in Kibwezi, Kenya. Friars Francis Muthoka, Paul Kaloki and Andrew Muendo professed their solemn vows into the hands of their Provincial Custos, Friar Kazimierz Szulc. All three study theology at the Saint Bonaventure Pontifical Theological Faculty (Seraphicum) in Rome. 23 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [AFCOF] The solemn celebration was attended by families and friends of the friars along with friars from all the friaries in the Custody. In his homily, the Custos spoke about the rights and obligations related to the profession of vows and also the dimension of fraternity, which derives from the same profession. AFCOF Meets the Mission Center Friar Paolo Fiasconaro, Director of the Franciscan Mission Center ONLUS On September 25, 2016, an Assembly of the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF) was held in Rome at the Seraphicum. During the Assembly, Friar Paolo Fiasconaro, the Director of the Mission Center of the Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP Federation), also in Rome, met with the Assistant General of the AFCOF, Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski and other members of the AFCOF Federation. The aim of the meeting was to share experiences and increase mutual understanding between those situated in the African “mission lands” and those who live in more privileged territories, with whom the Mission Center speaks on a daily basis. The meeting allowed for closer collaboration. Existing local problems were discussed with the idea of generating practical assistance through synergistic activity between the Mission Center and the individual Jurisdictions of Africa. The Director of the Center presented various activities and initiatives which the Center carries out annually, especially since it changed its legal status to ONLUS (Non-Profit Organization for Social Use). Zambia and Malawi on Pilgrimage Friar Mathew Kasongo, Provincial Secretary On October 10, 2016, friars from Zambia’s Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs and friars from the mission in Malawi participated in a pilgrimage which they had jointly organized. On pilgrimage FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The pilgrims walked seven kilometers (four miles) to the Province of Zambia’s Marian Shrine in Ibenga. The Shrine of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus contains the tomb of the Servant of God, Bishop Francis Mazzieri, OFM Conv. The friars were accompanied by faithful from the various parishes where the friars serve, especially Kapiri Mposhi and other parishes in the Dioceses of Ndola and Kabwe. Among the lay pilgrims were members of the Secular Franciscans, the Franciscan Youth Group, the Nazareth Women’s Lay Group, Friends of the Franciscan Friars and some religious sisters. Z Franciszkiem zaczynamy ŚDM Kraków 2016 Drodzy duszpasterze franciszkańscy ŚDM Kraków 2016! Droga młodzieży i uczestnicy ŚDM Kraków2016! Niech Pan obdarzy Was swoim pokojem! CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [CEO] 24 W atmosferze zbliżających się ŚDM Kraków 2016 pozdrawiamy Was z klasztoru i bazyliki św. Franciszka w Krakowie położonej w sąsiedztwie Pałacu Arcybiskupów Krakowskich ze słynnym „Oknem Papieskim”, z którego św. Jan Paweł II i papież Benedykt XVI kierowali, a także Ojciec Święty Franciszek skieruje do uropae nas wszystkich swoje słowo, a także spotka się z młodzieżą zgromadzoną na onferentia rientalis tzw. „Placu Franciszkańskim”. C E O [CEO] Friar Jacekprzed CIUPIŃSKI Pragniemy Was wszystkich zaprosić do wspólnej modlitwy franciszkańskiej Krzyżem San Assistant General for the CEO Damiano, zawierzając ŚDM Jezusowi w obrazie Jezus Ufam Tobie i Tej, która towarzyszyła nam w czasie ŚDM w 1991 w Częstochowie Pani Jasnogórskiej Królowej Polski. Nabożeństwo zawierzenia będzie miało miejsce w bazylice św. Franciszka w Krakowie, położonej przy ulicy Franciszkańskiej (sąsiedztwo Pałacu Arcybiskupów, 5 min od Rynku Głównego) w dniu 26 lipca 2016 roku o godz. 14.00 do godziny 15.30, tak byście mogli dotrzeć z Waszymi duszpasterzami na Krakowskie Błonia, by tam uczestniczyć we mszy św. otwarcia ŚDM. Nabożeństwo poprowadzi o. Marco Tasca, Minister Generalny Zakonu Mniejszych Konwentualnych Friar Marian Gołąb, OFM Conv., Minister Provincial of the Polish ProvinceBraci of Cracow; Friar Wiesław Pyzio, (OFMConv) wraz z Definitorium Generalnym z Rzymu. OFM Conv., Minister Provincial of the Polish Province of Warsaw; Friar Jan Maciejowski, OFM Conv., Minister The Franciscan Provincials to the Young People of WYD 2016 Provincial of the Polish Province of Gdansk W dniu 27 lipca w Krakowie-Olszanicy odbędzie się Spotkanie Młodzieży wszystkich Rodzin Franciszkańskich w tzw. Wiosce Franciszkańskiej. Wszystkie informacje znajdziecie na Dear Franciscan pastoral leaders for World Youth Day 2016, in Cracow. Dear young people www.franciscanvillage.pl and those attending World Youth Day 2016, in Cracow. May the Lord give you His peace! [email protected] FraternusNuntius 3/2016 We greet you from the Friary and Basilicafranciszkańskich of St. Francis, in Cracow, at the Archbishop’s Młodzież i wszystkich duszpasterzy oraz naszych sympatykówresiserdecznie dence in the city with its famous “Pope’s Window”. It was actually from that window that Saint zapraszamy do wspólnej modlitwy. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI addressed the young people. Now, Pope Francis will be addressing from theprzeżywania same windowi powrotu and he willz be meeting witho the young people Na czasus podróży, ŚDM prosimy szczególną opiekęgathered św. Franciszka i in whatfranciszkańskich, many call the “Franciscan Square”.Błogosławionych Misjonarzy-Męczenników z Pariacoto: o. świętych a szczególnie We want to invite all ofi you to join us Tomaszka in praying the common Krucjaty Franciscan prayer, thew“Prayer Zbigniewa Strzałkowskiego o. Zbigniewa – patronów różańcowej obronie przed before the Cross of San Damiano, ” and to entrust the whole of WYD to our merciful Lord Jesus terroryzmem, beatyfikowanych 5 grudnia 2015 roku w Chimbote w Peru. with the words recorded on the Divine Mercy painting: “Jesus, I Trust in You” and to also entrust this WYD to the pozdrowieniem: Lady who guidedPokoju us during WYD 1991, in Częstchowa, the Black Madonna of Z franciszkańskim i Dobra! Jasna Góra, the Queen of Poland. The Prayer of Entrustment meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the Basilica of St. Francis, in Cracow. It will be led by the Minister General of the Friars Minor Conventual, Friar Marco Tasca, accompanied by the members of his General Definitory. After the prayer we will go directly to “Błonia”, to attend the opening Mass of World Youth minsterAnother prowincjalny minister prowincjalny minister prowincjalny Day 2016. meeting for young people will take place the next day, July 27. This will be Kraków Warszawa Gdańsk a meeting of young people from all of the Franciscan Families. It will be held in what many call the “Franciscan Village”, in Cracow-Olszanica. All information on this meeting is available on the website: www.franciscanvillage.it we wspomnienie św.Bonawentury Kraków –home, Warszawa During the time needed to make this journey, participate and return we– Gdańsk, ask for15 lipca 2016 the protection of St. Francis and other Franciscan saints, and especially the Blessed Martyrs ZapytaniaFriars i zgłoszenia grup do wspólnej modlitwy proszę kierować do : who were just beatified last of Pariacoto, Michał Tomaszek and Zbigniew Strzałkowski, Nabożeństwo zawierzenia - Bazylika św. Franciszka - o. Paweł Dybka OFMConv, tel. +48695225215, email: [email protected] December 5, in Chimbote, Peru. They are the patrons of the rosary crusade in defense against Wioska Franciszkańska – Kraków Olszanica - o. Łukasz Gora OFMConv, tel: +48507066975, email: [email protected] terrorism. To all of you, Peace and All Good. 25 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [CEF] Centralis Europae Foederatio [CEF] Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ Assistant General for the CEF Fribourg: Inauguration of the Friary Friar Miljenko Hontić, OFM Conv. On September 24-25, 2016, a solemn inauguration took place for the newly restored and renovated friary of the friars in Fribourg, Switzerland. The restored friary FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The celebration was attended by the friars from the community along with their guardian, Friar Pascal Marquard and some friars from the Custody (on the Swiss side). Others attending included the Minister General, Friar Marco Tasca, the Minister Provincial of Germany, Friar Bernhardin Seither, the Provincial Secretary of Germany, Friar Andreas Murk, the Custos of the Custody of Austria-Switzerland, Friar Daniele Brocca, and Friar Giulio Cesareo from the Seraphicum in Rome. Along time ago, during his course of studies, Friar Giulio spent two years in this friary. Also present was the Assistant General for the Central European Federation (CEF), Friar Miljenko Hontić. The celebration started on September 24, 2016, at 4:00 p.m., with a reception in the friary church. This was followed by a guided tour through different areas of the friary. At 5:30 the inaugural ceremony for the friary was held, after which, some of the more important collaborators and members of various committees of the project were thanked. The first day ended with a concert of the “Solemn Vespers of the Confessor” by W.A. Mozart, performed by the Accroche-Choeur Vocal Ensemble of Fribourg and the Fribourg Chamber Orchestra. The following day, on the liturgical feast of St. Nicholas of Flüe, a solemn Mass was celebrated in three languages (mostly sung Latin), presided over by the Minister General, Friar Marco Tasca. After the Mass, there was again some time to visit places in the friary. At the end of the visit, everyone was provided with an outdoor lunch. At 3:00 p.m., a pet blessing ceremony took place. Everything concluded at 5:00 p.m. with an encore performance of the concert from the day before. 26 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [CFF] Conventual Franciscan Federation [CFF] Friar Jude WINKLER Assistant General for the CFF The CFF Federation Postulancy Friar Jude Winkler, OFM Conv. On July 5th, the four US Provinces of the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) celebrated the opening of the Interprovincial Postulancy Program in Chicago with eighteen postulants beginning their year of postulancy. Friar Pascal Kolodziej is the Postulancy Director and Friar Anthony Lajado is the guardian of the community and the Assistant Director of the Program. This is the first year that all four US Provinces of the Conventual Franciscans will have their postulancy together. Friar Jude Winkler, the Assistant General for the CFF, presided at the opening ceremony. The postulancy houses of the Custody of Blessed Agnellus of Pisa (Great Britain and Ireland) and the Delegation of Our Lady, Help of Christians (Australia) are located in Oxford and Dingley respectively. The postulants of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, USA, with the Minister Provincial FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The postulants of the Province of Our Lady of the Angels, USA, with the Minister Provincial 27 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [CFF] The postulants of the Province of St. Bonaventure, USA, with the Minister Provincial The Novitiate of the CFF: Investiture and Simple Profession Friar Jude Winkler, OFM Conv. On June 19th, the new novices of the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) were invested in their habits at the novitiate in Arroyo Grande, California. The novices with the superiors FraternusNuntius 3/2016 There are seven novices in this year’s class: four from Our Lady of Consolation Province, two from St. Joseph of Cupertino Province, and one from Our Lady of the Angels Province. Friar Michael Zielke presided and preached at the Evening Prayer Service at which the investiture took place. The following day, the Most Reverend John Stowe, Bishop of Lexington, presided at the Mass for the simple profession of vows while Friar James McCurry preached for last year’s class of novices. There were two friars from Our Lady of the Angels Province, two from Our Lady of Consolation Province, two from Blessed Agnellus of Pisa Custody and one from St. Joseph of Cupertino Province. These novices began their novitiate in Mishawaka, Indiana and were transferred in June, when the novitiate moved to Arroyo Grande. The professions took place at St. Paul’s Church in Pismo Beach, a parish near Arroyo Grande which is administered by the friars. Friar Giles Zakowicz continues as the Director of Novices with Friar Maurice Richard as the Assistant Director and Friar Alexander Cymmerman as the senior friar in residence. 28 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [CFF] Meeting of Two Ministers Provincial Friar Jude Winkler, OFM Conv. On September 2, 2016, the Minister Provincial of Our Lady of Consolation Province (USA), Friar Jim Kent, and the Minister Provincial of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province (Mexico), Friar Francisco Diaz Valdez, met at the Parish of Cristo Rey in Austin, Texas, USA. The participants [email protected] FraternusNuntius 3/2016 They met to discuss ways their Provinces could collaborate in serving Hispanic Catholics in the southwestern section of the United States. Friar Carlos Trovarelli, the Assistant General of the Federación Conventuales America Latina (FALC), and Friar Jude Winkler, the Assistant General of the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF), were also present, as were Friar Guillermo Aguilar Alamilla, the Provincial Vicar of OLG Province, Friar Philip Ley from OLC Province, and a number of friars serving at the Cristo Rey Parish. The Provincials agreed to form a plan over the next few months. They will be consulting with their respective Provincial Definitories and Chapters/Assemblies to determine how they might collaborate in ongoing formation, staffing, vocation promotion, preparation for ministry in the United States for Mexican friars, and an interchange of initial formation experiences, etc. At present, there are three friaries from OLC Province in the states of Texas and New Mexico and one presence of the Mexican friars in Austin. The needs for Hispanic ministry in this section of the country (as well as others) are enormous. According to some estimates, Hispanics make up between one-third and one-half of the Catholic population in the United States. 29 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FALC] Federación Conventuales America Latina [FALC] Friar Carlos TROVARELLI Assistant General for the FALC Brazil: Provincial Events Friar Rafael Normando, Provincial Secretary In early July, some big events took place in the Province of St. Maximilian Kolbe in Brazil (Brasilia). From Monday to Friday, July 4-8, 2016, there was an assembly of all the guardians, Pastors and Directors of educational institutions in the Province. During the assembly, the friars reflected intently on the way the Franciscan charism was being lived in the parish. The friars also discussed practical matters related to life in the Province and in each individual friary. On Saturday, July 9, six friars professed their solemn vows. They were: Friars Francisco Ferreira; Henrique Mendonça; João Rogério; Herton dos Santos; Israel Sobrinho; and Mayko de Andrade. It was a great experience for both the Province and each one of the friars. The participants Brazil: FALC Ordinary Assembly On July 11-13, 2016, the Ordinary Assembly of the Federación Conventuales America Latina (FALC) took place at the Regina Coeli Retreat Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This year, the Assembly was held right before the Congress celebrating 70 years of our presence in Latin America. Those participating in the Assembly included the Ministers Provincial, Custodes and Delegates of the Latin American Jurisdictions, along with the Assistant General for the FALC, Friar Carlos Trovarelli and some invited guests. Other participants included Friar Marian Gołąb, the new Minister Provincial of Cracow, Poland; Friar Jan Maciejowski, the Minister Provincial of Gdansk, Poland; and Friar Vittorio Trani, the Minister Provincial of the Province of Rome, Italy. Among the invited guests were Friar Jude Winkler, the Assistant General for the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) which covers Australia, the USA and the United Kingdom; Friar Jarek Wysoczański, the Secretary General for the General Secretariat for Mission Animation (SGAM); and Friar Franklin Durán, a member of the Order’s International Commission for Formation (CIF) and a FALC representative. FraternusNuntius 3/2016 Friar Maurizio Bridio, FALC Secretary 30 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FALC] The Assembly dealt with various issues concerning the life and mission of our Order on the continent, such as initial and ongoing formation and the matter of internal cooperation within the FALC itself. In addition to highlighting the path taken thus far, concrete decisions were made through 2019 for the consolidation of the common novitiates. A significant decision was made to create a formation house task force using some formators proposed by the Assembly. The Assembly showed its gratitude to Friar Dario Mazurek for his ten years of generous service in guiding the path of MiReFALC (the Ministry of Reflection of the FALC) and appointed Friar Rogerio Pereira Xavier as the new coordinator. On Wednesday, July 13, with the Minister General, Friar Marco Tasca present, the new FALC Presidency Council was chosen for 2016-2019. The council members are: Friar Carlos Trovarelli, Assistant General—a member by right; Friar Jhon Jairo Molina, Custos of Colombia—President; Friar Gilson Nunes, Minister Provincial of Sao Paulo—Vice President; Friar Aldo Cuccaro, Minister Provincial of Rio Plato—Delegate; Friar Maurizio Bridio, Delegate of Chile—Secretary. In addition, Friar Aldo Cuccaro was elected as the new Econom for the FALC. The participants Brazil: Priestly Ordination Friar Paulo Sérgio Fernandes, Custodial Secretary On Saturday, July 30, 2016, the Most Reverend Elias James Manning, OFM Conv., Bishop Emeritus of Valencia, Brazil, laid hands upon and ordained Friar William Gomes Mendonça to the priesthood. The ordination took place in the city of Campos do Goytacazes in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro State. On Saturday, August 6, 2016, the Most Reverend Édson José Oriolo dos Santos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, laid hands upon and ordained Friar Luís Henrique N. Lima to the priesthood. The ordination took place in Friar Luís’ hometown of Belo Horizonte in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state. Friars William Gomes Mendonça and Luís Henrique N. Lima FraternusNuntius 3/2016 Between late July and early August 2016, the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception (Brazil) saw two of its friars get ordained to the priesthood. 31 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FALC] The Minister General in Brazil Friar Carlos Trovarelli, OFM Conv. From Tuesday to Friday, August 16-19, 2016, Minister General Friar Marco Tasca met with members of the Order from the five communities of the Brazilian states of Bahia and Paraiba. The participants with the Minister General Cuba: Second Novitiate Friar Franklin Durán, OFM Conv. On August 1-29, 2016, a “second novitiate” course was held for the first two Cuban friars of the current Delegation. The course took place at the St. Peter the Apostle friary in Matanzas, Cuba. The two friars, Danisandro Sánchez Peña and Riduan Mondéjar Pérez, are expected to make their solemn profession next November 29, on the Feast of All Franciscan Saints, in Havana. FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The meeting was held at the Missionary Sisters of Mercy Retreat House in the Rio Vermelho district of the city of Salvador in Brazil. The Assistant General of the area, Friar Carlos Trovarelli, coordinated the meeting. Nineteen friars attended. The meeting had the objective of evaluating the life of the Order in that part of northeastern Brazil. The region has a very special culture, which features a great religious heritage and the strongest imprint of Africa in Brazil. The five communities of the Order are the friaries of: Santa Clara de Assis in the city of Itaberaba; Nossa Senhora das Candeias in the city of Candeias (State of Bahia); São José de Copertino in the city of Feira de Santana (State of Bahia); Nossa Senhora Aparecida in the city of João Pessoa (State of Paraiba) and a filial house belonging to the Friary of Santa Clara de Assis in the city of Salvador, the state capital of Bahia. The area presents enormous challenges. That is why the five communities were founded in recent decades by two of Brazil’s current Provinces: the São Francisco de Assis Province, based in the distant city of São Paulo, and the São Maximiliano Kolbe Province, located in the distant city of Brasilia. Their current Ministers Provincial both attended Friar Gilson Nunes (São Paulo) and Friar Marcelo Veronez (Brasilia). Looking at the life and mission of each presence, the friars at the meeting evaluated the communities from three different angles. One was an interpretation at the statistical level and covered concrete data as well as a description of the situation in each community. Another was a charismatic Franciscan interpretation of the friars’ work and witness. The third was an institutional interpretation, which was focused on visualizing the common future of the “Bahian” communities of Paraiba. 32 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FALC] Friars Jose Abeto Suarez and Franklin Durán from the Custody of Venezuela guided the two simply professed candidates and offered them a range of formation exercises with reflections, prayer and time for sharing. Over all, the friar participants were able to have a beautiful and enriching fraternal experience, together with the other friars present, namely the friars of the “stable community”, Luigi Moretti and Raúl Alvarado, as well as Friar Fabián Arrieta Botero from the Custody of Colombia. He has been part of the Matanzas community for a few months now, providing fraternal and pastoral support. The Custodies of Venezuela and Colombia have both been engaged in offering ad tempus help to the Delegation of Cuba with a rotation of confreres providing service. Chile: Formation Week Friar Jack Ginting, OFM Conv. From August 29 to September 2, 2016, the friars of the three communities of the Delegation of Chile gathered for a week of formation. The participants FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The event took place at the Friary of the Immaculate Conception in Santiago. Friars Francesco Panizzolo and Giovanni Palleva of the Italian Province of St. Anthony led reflections. Their presence was a sign of the leadership offered by the Province to the friars of the Delegation. The theme for the Delegation Plan was entitled “Digging Wells”. Both friars made presentations on various biblical figures related to the theme. There was Isaac searching for wells (Gen. 26:12-33); Moses, next to a well, reflecting on life as a foreigner in a foreign country (Ex. 2:1-22); the Samaritan woman at the well, conversing with Jesus (Jn. 4:1-26); and the Good Samaritan and the student of the law questioning who is one’s neighbor (Lk. 10:25-37). Friars Francesco and Giovanni also invited the friars to reflect on the encyclical Amoris laetitia and on the evangelical counsels as a means of giving witness to the Gospel in everyday life, which is the best way of “digging wells”. It was a week of intense reflection and joyous fraternity. There was also some time to make a pilgrimage to our shrine, which is designated the Jubilee church of the area south of Santiago. There, the friars recited the profession of faith while passing through the Holy Door and entrusted their plans to the mercy of the Father. 33 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FAMC] Federation of Asian Minor Conventuales [FAMC] Friar Benedict Seung Jae BAEK Assistant General for the FAMC Indonesia: Formation Events Friar Maximilianus Sembiring, Provincial Custos During July 14-20, 2016, the Provincial Custody of Indonesia held several formation events aimed at fostering growth in this young Asian entity in the Order. The participants FraternusNuntius 3/2016 On Thursday morning, July 14, twenty-nine religious and clerical student friars renewed their vows in the hands of their Provincial Custos, Friar Maximilianus Sembiring. The renewal of vows was celebrated in the chapel of the St. Bonaventure friary in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, a post-novitiate formation house. On Thursday evening, July 14, thirteen postulants were vested in the Conventual Franciscan habit at the novitiate chapel of St. Anthony in Padua Tigadolok, North Sumatra. This place is about 20 km (12 miles) from the St. Bonaventure friary in Pematangsiantar. After a year of progress in following Christ, four novices publicly professed their vows during Mass on Friday, July 15, the feast day of St. Bonaventure. About a thousand faithful looked on as the novices professed their vows into the hands of Friar Maximilianus Sembiring, the Provincial Custos of Indonesia. On that same day the new St. Anthony of Padua novitiate was opened in Tigadolok, North Sumatra with Mass presided over by the Most Reverend Anicetus Sinaga, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Medan. The inaugural ceremony included inscribing the Bishop’s signature on stone as well as that of the Government’s District Representative. The Representative participated in the celebration despite being a non-Catholic Christian. His presence, and his signature on the stone, served as civil validation for the official opening. The celebration finished with lunch, dances and speeches. A joint project of the Custody’s Commission for the Ongoing Formation and the Custodial Definitory, brought together pastors and their parish assistants for three days of formation on July 18-20, 2016. In all, fifteen friar priests attended. The meeting took place at the Tirta Momy Inn Retreat Center located on the island of Samosir, in the middle of Lake Toba, North Sumatra. 34 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FAMC] The President of the Commission for Ongoing Formation, Friar Fransiskus Mardan Ginting, led the meetings and presented articles about the Franciscan spirit and style of serving a parish. The meeting was effective for covering and discussing various topics, and for providing an opportunity to meet with and share the experiences of each participant. Vietnam: Formation Events From the FAMC Common Novitiate Four postulants from the Delegation of Vietnam, namely, Friars Joseph Lê Phạm Viết Hoàng, Joseph Đoàn Minh Vũ, Jerom Vũ Thái Học and John Baptist Trần Văn Hướng, were invested as novices on August 9, 2016, at the St. Joseph Formation House in Tagaytay City, the Philippines. The private ceremony was presided over by the Provincial Custos of the Philippines, Friar Francis Victor Mateo. Friar Tammylee Ngo, a representative from the Delegation, witnessed the ceremony. The Rite of Vesting was followed by Mass. The Novice Director, Friar John Nathan Maagma, presided. Those present included the postulants, Filipino novices and friars residing in Tagaytay City, as well as a number of postulants and temporarily professed friars from the St. Maximilian Formation House in Parañaque. A simple agape meal culminated the day’s events. Japan: 75th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of St. Maximilian Friar Benedict Baek, OFM Conv. This friary was the first one erected by St Maximilian and his confreres when they reached Japan. The commemoration began at 2:00 p.m. with a lecture by the rector of the seminary, Friar Giovanni Battista, followed by the celebration of Mass. The Bishop of Nagasaki had planned to celebrate the Mass, but was unable to attend due to health reasons. The Minister Provincial of Japan, Friar Damian Hirmo Sakihama, presided in his place. Those attending the event included friars from nearby friaries, seminarians and men in initial formation from Tokyo, some students participating in a vocations get-together, plus many nuns and faithful. During the liturgy FraternusNuntius 3/2016 On August 14, 2016, a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe was celebrated at the friary of Nagasaki. 35 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FAMC] The Philippines: First Profession of Vows From the Custody On September 8, 2016, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, six Filipino novices made their first religious profession at the St. Joseph Formation House in, Tagaytay City. They are Friars Raphael Ysulan, Ivan Aldon, Benedict Olanda, Pio Biñas, Paul Anthony Sabater and Lucas Antazo. The ceremony was simple yet solemn and was presided over by the Custos, Friar Victor Mateo. In his short homily, he stressed that religious profession is an exercise of one’s freedom. God invites those he has called to voluntarily embrace poverty, chastity, and obedience. In their response of professing vows, they voluntarily embrace an obligation. Poverty, chastity, and obedience cease being optional and instead become required traits that must be lived out and reaffirmed daily. Family, friends, lay collaborators and religious men and women living nearby were among the witnesses of the event. The different communities of the Custody were likewise well represented. Vietnam: Events on the Formation Journey The General Secretariat / The Friars of the Delegation in Vietnam During August, 2016, the Provincial Delegation of the Philippines held several formation events. On Saturday, August 20, 2016, Friars Joseph Pio Trần Văn Dương and Paul Raphael Lê Đức Chánh were received into the Minor Order of Acolytes. Their formators, Friars Joseph Nguyễn Xuân Trương, Tammlee Ngô and Provincial Delegate Luke Vũ, were in attendance. Friar Peter Vũ Bình Quốc, in preparation for his ordination to the transitional deaconate, made his Profession of Faith in the presence of Minister Provincial John Heinz. FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The participants 36 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FAMC] On Monday, August 22, the Most Reverend Paul Bùi Văn Đọc, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Hồ Chí Minh City, presided over a Mass of Ordination to the Priesthood and the Deaconate. Friars Peter M. Nguyễn Hữu Phước and Anthony M. Lê Sỹ Dương became the Delegation’s first friars to be ordained priests, while Friar Peter Vũ Bình Quốc was ordained a deacon. The ceremony took place at the Bùi Phát Church in Hồ Chí Minh City. This was a great and joyous event for all the friars in Vietnam. On August 27, four friars of the Delegation in Vietnam professed their solemn vows at St. Joseph Nguyễn Duy Khang Church, in the Thủ Đức District of Hồ Chí Minh City. The solemnly professed are: Friars Dominic Hoàng Thành Nghĩa; Joseph Nguyễn Chính Luận; John Baptist Nguyễn Ngọc Điền; and Friar Peter Nguyễn Ngọc Duy. Friar Benedict Baek, the Assistant General for the FAMC and some friars from Australia were also present. Currently, the number of confreres in the Delegation in Vietnam is rapidly increasing. In addition to the four friars from our Mother Province in California and the Australian Delegation, the Delegation in Vietnam has 14 solemnly professed friars and 11 temporarily professed friars. The ordination [email protected] FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The friars after solemn profession 37 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FIMP] Federazione Inter- mediterranea Ministri Provinciali OFMConv [FIMP] Friar Joaquín Ángel AGESTA CUEVAS Assistant General for the FIMP Getting to Know Friar Quirico Pignalberi Friar Paolo Fiasconaro, OFM Conv. Pope Francis recently declared our confrere Friar Quirico Pignalberi “Venerable”. In order to become better acquainted with this friar from the Province of Rome, a documentary has been produced called, “Father Quirico Pignalberi: A Witness of Mercy”. The participants [email protected] FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The documentary chronicles the life, works and spiritual heritage of this friar. Friar Quirico was born in Ciociaria, Italy, where he lived for 91 years. The people of the area know him well and consider him to be a saint. This video was produced by the Province of Rome and was written and directed by Friar Paolo Fiasconaro. Running twenty-two minutes, it retraces the steps of Friar Quirico’s earthly existence and highlights his qualities as a “humble, simple and devout Friar of the Immaculate”. Friar Quirico is remembered in particular as a co-founder, along with St. Maximilian Kolbe, of the Marian “Militia of the Immaculate” movement. The M.I. was founded on October 17, 1917, at the San Teodoro International College in Rome. Friar Quirico is also remembered as the formator of several generations of young people. He served as Novice Master at the Friary of San Lorenzo del Piglio for forty years On Saturday, July 16, the documentary was presented in the town of Piglio during a solemn commemoration. Those attending included several mayors from the Piglio area, many Friars from the Province of Rome, various supporters and relatives of Friar Quirico and the Most Reverend Gianfranco Girotti, Titular Bishop of Meta, who inaugurated the presentation with reminiscences of the Venerable. 38 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FIMP] FIMP Formators Meeting Friar Alessandro Perissinotto, OFM Conv. Once again, the annual meeting of formators of the Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali, OFM Conv. (FIMP) has taken place. This year, the meeting was held on July 18-22, amid the beautiful and cool Dolomite Mountains, in one of the region’s most characteristic towns – Tonadico, Italy. Tonadico lies on the border between the Provinces of Trento and Veneto. The friars gathered at a friendly little Capuchin friary which gave their meeting a family atmosphere. This year’s theme was: “Discerning Mercy.”. The meeting was attended by a good number of formators as well as the newly elected Minister Provincial of Malta, Friar George Zammit, who specifically asked to participate. The theme “Discerning Mercy” is linked to the ongoing Jubilee Year. The theme was introduced by two substantial and profound reflections from Friar Renzo Degni, a member of the Secretariat for Formation. He illustrated the theme, starting from its Biblical perspective and continuing to its Franciscan perspective. Then, both perspectives were given further study in focus groups. Another topic covered for reflection and discussion was “Criteria for Vocational Guidance on the Path of Franciscan Religious Life”. It was drafted in January during a meeting of youth and vocation ministers held in Assisi at the Assisi Franciscan Youth Center. During the rest of the day, the formators participated in two different and challenging hikes which began on the Pale di San Martino, a beautiful plateau at an altitude of 2500 meters (8200 feet). FIMP Second Novitiate The friars of the Second Novitiate From July 14 to August 13, 2016, six friars of the Federazioni Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP), together with their formators, underwent their second novitiate. The participants FraternusNuntius 3/2016 This is a time dedicated to self-preparation immediately before solemn profession. The second novitiate took place at the proto-friary of St. Francis of Assisi in Rivotorto, Italy. In addition, this year, the month-long animation was entrusted to Friars Antonio Bertazzo, Roberto Tamanti and Massimo Ruggiero. The friars who attended came from various locations: two friars from the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua, two friars from the Romanian Province of St. Joseph, a friar from the Sicilian Province of Saints Agatha and Lucy, and a friar from the Custody of the Orient and the Holy Land. Guest experts were invited to help the friars enter more deeply into the proposed topics. They were Friars John Cappelletto, Joaquín Agesta, Louis Panthiruvelil, Giulio Michelini, Maurizio Erasmi and Professor Simona Segoloni. 39 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FIMP] During the month, outings to some Franciscan places were organized. These included Foligno, where Friar Felice Autieri spoke about the figure of St. Angela, and a few other locations connected with the Little Flowers of St. Francis. In those places, Friar Giancarlo Corsini, the Minister Provincial of the Marches, acted as guide. Finally, on August 12, the second to last day, all the participants celebrated Mass at the tomb of our Seraphic Father Francis. They asked him to bless and protect these six friars who are saying their definitive “yes” to joining our religious family. Summer Mission on the Tiber Friar Paolo Fiasconaro, OFM Conv. For 80 days, from June 10 to August 28, 2016, the Missionary Center carried out a mission of “street evangelization” in Rome. The children of the school in Kampala www.ofmconv.net [email protected] FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The goal was to be with and among the people and to raise awareness of the missionary reality of the Friars Minor Conventual. The Order is present in 40 countries around the world. For the third consecutive year, the Mission Center operated a booth opposite Tiberina Island which drew thousands of tourists and locals. Every evening, people would flock to the banks of the Tiber for a stroll down two kilometers of exhibition booths. It was an opportunity for many to have some healthy fun and relaxation. This year, the Mission Center booth was customized with a logo for the Jubilee of Mercy that read: “Share the Roman summer with us...during the Jubilee Year.” Passersby on the banks were able to meet with friars in habit and hear stories about works of mercy performed by the many missionaries living in Franciscan Missions across five continents. Visitors were quite interested to see friars in this secular setting. The media, in particular, took special interest in the unique presence of the friars this year and gave them extensive news and television coverage. Reports were made by L’Osservatore Romano, Avvenire, Republic, Messaggero, RAI, 2000 TV and Vatican Radio. At the end of the summer, organizers of the “Vela d’Oro” Association, a group of 80 exhibitors and restaurateurs, adopted a school in the Kampala-Uganda mission. This came about through a Mission Center initiative. It will ensure that 360 children, assisted by missionaries from Poland, will have food for a year. 40 CONFERENCES / FEDERATIONS – [FIMP] Romania: Newly Professed Friar Carol Daniel Sabău, OFM Conv. In early September of 2016, the Romanian Province of St. Joseph celebrated two important events related to initial formation. On Saturday, September 3, 2016, Friars Alexandru Alfred, Emanuel-Robert Baciu, IonuțIulian Cherecheș, Iulian Demeterecă and Felix-Andrei Oprea, made their first religious profession. The ceremony was held at the novitiate, in the parish church of Prăjești. On Sunday, September 4, 2016, Friar Cristinel Gal professed his solemn vows into the hands of his Minister Provincial, Friar Teofil Petrișor. The ceremony took place at the parish church in Luizi-Călugăra, the town where Friar Cristinel was born. The new temporarily professed friars and Friar Cristinel Gal Itinerancy on the “Ruta Jacobea” Friar Joaquín Agesta, OFM Conv. Over the years, a style has taken shape characterized by interprovincial fraternity, a ministry of listening and sharing, and increasing acceptance from the local church as we grow in mutual communion. People who make the hike to Santiago de Compostela are strongly called to come out of themselves. They can dare to be open to universality and plurality; to share communal life, to widen the horizons of their lives and to go beyond the common tendency of turning in on oneself. This is a first step in staying open to the transcendent, to God, who always seeks each one of us with passionate love, in thousands of different ways. One of the cornerstones of this adventure is sharing the mission with the Jurisdictions of the Order who want to join in. Last summer, confreres from the Provinces of Germany, Italy, Poland, Korea and Spain took part. Space was limited and some friars were unable to participate, but there will be more opportunities next summer. Perhaps these experiences are telling us that future service at the mission will no longer be subject to obediences from Jurisdictions of origin, but will arise from shared interprovincial or interobediential projects of evangelization and itinerancy. Our journey as Friars Minor is identified by the call to strengthen communion with the local church. In the presence of members from other churches, we can express the catholicity of the one Church, in mission, among the people. FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The summer of 2016 marked six years of Conventual Franciscan presence on the “Ruta Jacobea” (the Way of St. James) in Ponferrada, Spain. 41 CHAPTERS Kenya: Ordinary Chapter – Part II Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski, Assistant General for the AFCOF. On July 4- 7, 2016, the Provincial Custody of Kenya celebrated the second part of its fourth Custodial Chapter. The Provincial Custos, Friar Kazimierz Szulc, presided. He has been newly reelected to his second term. Also attending were the Provincial Secretary of the Polish Province of Gdansk (the Mother Province), Friar Grzegorz Kordek, and the Assistant General for the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF), Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski. During the Chapter, the Capitulars held discussions and made decisions necessary for the life and apostolate of the Custody. They established the Custody’s priorities for the next four years. The deliberations among the friars were agreeable and productive, yielding resolutions which the Capitulars voted on and unanimously passed. The Chapter took place in a joyful and fraternal atmosphere. The decisions that were made, for the Glory of God and the good of His people, are now awaiting practical implementation. Among the most significant of these decisions are the following: 1. To take concrete steps toward becoming a Province. In the near future the Custody will have met all the necessary conditions to achieve this goal. 2. To have each friary make a monthly contribution to the Order’s Fund to help the poorest Jurisdictions - as requested by the General Chapter of 2013. 3. To establish a new Secretariat to promote missionary spirit among the friars and the faithful in the pastoral centers of the Custody - particularly at the National Shrine of Subukia, The shrine was entrusted to the friars by the Episcopal Conference of Kenya. 4. To erect a sixth friary, with a parish, near Mombasa, at Kikambala. The local Archbishop requested that the Custody accept this apostolate. During its sixth session, the Chapter entrusted care of various communities to the new guardians. Spain: Ordinary Chapter, Part II Friar Juan Miguel Vicente, Chapter Secretary On July 4-7, 2016, the Spanish Province of Our Lady of Montserrat held the second part of its Ordinary Provincial Chapter. The Chapter took place at the Capuchin friary in El Pardo, Madrid, and was presided over by the Minister Provincial, Friar Ángel Mariano Guzmán. The work of the Chapter was primarily dedicated to the study and approval of the Province Four-Year Plan (PPQ), which includes three priorities over the next four years: 1. To rediscover our vocational dimension and consecration. To pay particular attention to fraternal life in as much as it is an essential dimension of our charism and comes before witnessing to the Gospel. FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The new Custodial Definitory 42 CHAPTERS 2. To reinvigorate our vocation-youth ministry: a) at the personal level, with the testimony of the friars’ own lives and the explicit proposal of a Franciscan vocation; b) at the community level, paying attention to prayer, fraternal life and hospitality; and c) at the Provincial level, with a team of vocation-youth ministers to guide and coordinate various initiatives. 3. To give priority to the pastoral care of families in our mission. The Chapter also studied and approved some specific motions on various issues related to the life of the Province. Finally, on Thursday morning, July 7, the Chapter elected Friar Julián Pascual as the Provincial Econom and Friar Antonio J. Royo as the Provincial Exactor. Their elections had been postponed during the first part of the Chapter. The Chapter also elected the guardians, the Rector of the house of formation, the Presidents of the various Provincial committees and the National Assistants for the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) and the Militia of the Immaculate (M.I.). The Capitulars Ghana: Extraordinary Chapter Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski, Assistant General for the AFCOF. On July 11-15, 2016, Ghana’s Provincial Custody of St. Anthony of Padua celebrated its Extraordinary Chapter in Saltpond, Ghana. The Capitulars FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The Custody is part of the Italian Province of St. Anthony. Twenty-six Capitulars participated, including the Minister Provincial, Friar Giovanni Voltan, and the Assistant General for the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF), Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski. Also in attendance were the Provincial Econom, Friar Carlo Comini and the Provincial Secretary for Missions, Friar Valerio Folli. 43 CHAPTERS The Chapter reflected and made decisions on a subject mandated by the Ordinary Chapter of 2014, namely: looking at the path towards economic autonomy and self-sufficiency. Friar Anselmo Bonfigli, the Rector of Clerics in Lusaka, Zambia, conducted some spiritual reflections. The Minister Provincial urged the friars of the Custody to courageously confront the challenges to becoming self-sufficient, challenges that often demand that the friars undergo a radical change from living the usual ‘lifestyle’ to becoming examples of ‘living the Gospel’. At the end of the Chapter, everyone participated in the celebration of some friars who were renewing their profession of simple vows. Zambia: Ordinary Provincial Chapter – Part II Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski, Assistant General for the AFCOF. On July 18-22, 2016, Zambia’s Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs celebrated the second part of its Ordinary Provincial Chapter. The Capitulars FraternusNuntius 3/2016 The Chapter was presided over by the newly elected Minister Provincial, Friar Richard Chimfwembe. The Assistant General for the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF), Friar Tadeusz Świątkowski, also attended in his role as the Delegate of the Minister General. Fifty Capitulars were present. On the first day of the Chapter, the Economic Commission of the Chapter made its report. This was followed by the election of two friars to the following offices: Provincial Econom – Friar Angelo Paleri [first term]; Provincial Exactor – Friar Mathew Kasongo [first term]. Since the Province now totals 100 solemnly professed friars, a Provincial Delegate was elected to attend the General Chapter—Friar Timothy Kayula. Friar Timothy is also a Provincial Definitor. The first two days of the Chapter were dedicated to “group work”. Groups discussed the Instrumentum Labori in order to work on the Province Four-Year Plan. On the third day, the friars held an open debate in the lecture room and discussed issues that touched on the Province’s past experiences and its future plans. The Chapter next voted on the Four-Year Plan and twenty-five motions. On the last day of the Chapter, sixteen new guardians and formators were elected in the Province. The Chapter concluded with prayer for the deceased friars of the Province. 44 DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Office of Statistics Friar Antonio M. PARISI Head of Statistics Prov. Indiae PALLIPPADAN Victor, THANUPARAMBIL Jithin, VALIYAPARAMBIL Don (2016-05-01) Cust. prov. Indonesiana BUKIT Leo Dede Permana Elia, HENDE Maseo Elias, LIKO Yohanes Maria Vianny Kristianus Ngai, JANDU Angelo Richardus (2016-07-15) Cust. prov. Anglo-Hibernica DIDDEN Marco, TOUGHER Brian (2016-07-20) Prov. Americana B.M.V. Consolatricis Afflic. MINJAREZ Jacob R., ZARAGOZA Jaime (2016-07-20) Prov. Americana D. N. Angelorum BLANCHARD Timothy, SOKPOLIE Franck (2016-07-20) Prov. Americana S. Ioseph a Cupertino PLUBIN Roberson (2016-07-20) Prov. Polonica S. Antonii Patavini et B. Iacobi a Strepa (Deleg. prov. in Uganda) KADDU Augustine, KIRONDE Edward, LADA Nicholas, MUTAASA Paul (2016-07-26) Cust. prov. Keniana MUTUKU Boniface Kilonzo, OPUBA Vincent Onyango (2016-07-26) Cust. prov. Tanzaniensis PMSALILA Robert (2016-07-26) Cust. prov. Ganensis ABEIFA Isaac Naagyie, AMANKWAA John Decribb Jackson, AMEKPORDI Wisdom, ANNOBIL Richard, BOAKYE Dominic Evans, PUO Joseph Zumetee, SOMIAH Emmanuel (2016-07-30) Prov. Zambiae CHANSHI Obino Joseph Chishala, CHILESHE Kingsley Comewell Chalo, KABAMBA Anthony Chileshe, KACHINGA John Ganizani, MWEEMBA Owen Otala, SIAMUCHIMBA James Gede (2016-08-02) Prov. Apuliae GRASSI Antonio (2016-08-27) Prov. Croatiae LAMEŠIĆ Dominik, MILIĆ Matej, PERVAN Zvonimir (2016-08-27) Prov. Hispaniae EUCEDA CHAVER César Antonio (2016-08-27) Prov. Italica S. Antonii Patavini BASSINI Alberto Elia, CALABRIA Andrea, POLINI Davide, FILIPPI Francesco, RUSSIAN Piero, ROSSI FRASCA Simeon (2016-08-27) Prov. Neapolitana MEMMO Raffaele (2016-08-27) Prov. Sardiniae CARTA Pietro Mariano (2016-08-27) Cust. prov. Galliae DE REVIÈRE Samuel Marie (2016-08-27) FraternusNuntius 3/2016 Professiones temporaneae DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION 45 Prov. Romaniae ALFRED Alexandru, BACIU Emanuel-Robert, CHERECHEŞ Ionuţ-Iulian, DEMETERCĂ Iulian, OPREA Felix-Andrei (2016-09-03) Cust. prov. Philippinarum SABATER STA. ANA Anthony Paul, OLANDA LUMITAO (Jaypee) Bendict, ALDON FEDERESO (Jay-Ar) Ivan, BIÑAS BONETE (Francis) Pio, ANTAZO LOZANO (Chrisver) Lucas, YSULAN ESPUERTAS (Kenneth Rey) Raphael (2016-09-08) Prov. Polonica B.M.V. Immaculatae OWCZAREK Marcin, RATYŃSKI Paweł, RYMKIEWICZ Damian, RZEŹNICKI Karol (2016-09-10) Prov. Polonica S. Maximiliani K. MALINOWSKI Remigiusz, PIECZYNIA Maciej, PLUSZCZEWICZ Kamil, PRYŁA Bartłomiej (2016-09-10) KASPROWICZ Wojciech (2016-09-24) Cust. prov. Orientis et Terrae Santae ABOU ANNI Nicolas, EL KHOURY Khalil (2016-09-17) Prov. Polonica S. Antonii Pat. et B. Iacobi a Strepa BUJAS Dawid Karol, BÜRGER Wojciech Piotr, DENDYS Szymon, FIGIEL Kamil Andrzej, JEZIORSKI Dawid Adrian, ROCHOWIAK Bartłomiej Łukasz (2016-09-24) Prov. Polonica S. Antonii Pat. et B. Iacobi a Strepa (Deleg. prov. Ucrainae) HUTSOL Roman (2016-09-24) Prov. Polonica S. Antonii Pat. et B. Iacobi a Strepa (Deleg. prov. Usbekistaniae) ORLOV Maksim (2016-09-24) Cust. prov. Philippinarum ARGUELLES (Pinbo E.) Jeremiah, AVELINO (Jimmy Boy M.) Lorenzo, BAPTISTA (John Christopher P.) Christopher, PAZ Joachim (2016-05-31) Prov. Brasiliensis S. Maximiliani M. Kolbe CARVALHO FILHO João Rogério Lima de, CRUZ DE ANDRADE Mayko Ataliba, MENDONÇA Henrique de Sousa, SANTOS Herton Alcântara dos, SILVA Francisco Ferreira, SILVA SOBRINHO Israel Fernando da (2016-07-09) Prov. Zambiae KAKUBO Nathan Mumbi, CHANDA Anthony Mubanga, CHANDA Isaac Yumbe, MBOLA Peter Mwila (2016-07-23) Prov. Americana D. N. Angelorum D’AVILA Maximilian, VASCONCELOS Emanuel (2016-08-15) FEHLNER (Herman Joseph) Peter Damian (2016-09-08) Prov. Americana S. Ioseph a Cupertino (Deleg. prov. Vietmaniae) HOANG Dominic (Nghia Thanh), NGUYEN Joseph (Luan Chinh), NGUYEN John (Dien Ngoc), NGUYEN Peter (Duy Ngoc) (2016-08-27) Prov. Americana B.M.V. Consolatricis Afflic. BASSANA Don (2016-09-03) Prov. Romaniae GAL Cristinel (2016-09-04) Cust. prov. Keniana AUSTIN Andrew Mwendo, KALOKI Paul Nzioka, NZYOKA Francis Muthoka (2016-09-11) Prov. Siciliae LIVERA PÉREZ Néstor (2016-09-14) Cust. prov. Orientis et Terrae Sanctae MARSWANIAN Elias (2016-09-17) FraternusNuntius 3/2016 Professiones sollemnes 46 DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Ordinationes diaconales Cust. prov. Philippinarum ARGUELLES (Pinbo E.) Jeremiah, PAZ Joachim (2016-05-31) Prov. Indiae MALAKKARAN Tomy (2016-07-03) Prov. Neapolitana CAROLA Paolo (2016-07-15) Prov. Americana S. Ioseph a Cupertino (Deleg. prov. Vietmaniae) VU Peter (Quoc Binh) (2016-08-22) Prov. Apuliae MANCA Vito Cosimo (2016-09-14) Ordinationes sacerdotales Prov. Sloveniae BOROVNJAK Anton (2016-06-29) Cust. prov. Keniana GITHEGI Leonard Wambui, MACHILA Timothy Mwanjala, NJUGUNA Paul Kiarie, OCHWADA Stephen Ochieno (2016-07-17) Cust. prov. Brasiliensis Immaculatae Conceptionis MENDONÇA Willian Gomes (2016-07-30) LIMA Luiz Henrique Nascimento (2016-08-06) Prov. Americana S. Ioseph a Cupertino (Deleg. prov. Vietmaniae) LE Anthony (Duong Si), NGUYEN Peter (Phuoc Huu) (2016-08-22) RESTING IN GOD CIRCUMSCRIPTIO DIES LOCUS AETAS KNOPP Benjamin (Alfred) Prov. Americ. B.M.V. Cons. Afflic. 2016-07-08 Louisville, KY 87 WRZOSEK Aleksy (Franciszek) Prov. Polonica B. M. V. Immaculatae 2016-07-12 Niepokalanów 79 BLUNDELL Brendan (John Richard) Cust. prov. Anglo-Hibernica 2016-07-19 Urmstom, Manchester 80 WOJDA Baltazar (Tadeusz) Prov. Polonica B. M. V. Immaculatae 2016-07-21 Niepokalanów 86 GRIFFIN Patrick(Matthew) Cust. prov. Anglo-Hibernica 2016-07-22 Dublin 97 WŁODYKA Gabriel (Stanisław) Prov. Polonica S. Antonii Patav. et B. Iacobi a Strepa 2016-07-22 Jasło 81 SWY Antonius Siswiido Cust. prov. Indonesiana 2016-07-25 Jakarta 41 POIANA Enzo Paolo Prov. Italica S. Antonii Patavini 2016-08-16 Bibione (VE) 57 KILEY Francis (James) Prov. Americ. S. Bonaventurae 2016-08-21 Chicago, IL 97 CHABERSKI Bede (Bogusław) Cust. prov. Anglo-Hibernica 2016-09-03 Manchester 85 DAVOLI Umberto Prov. Italica S. Antonii Patavini 2016-09-18 Feltre (BL) 76 CANO SACRISTÁN Marcelo Prov. Hispaniae 2016-09-19 Madrid 73 FraternusNuntius 3/2016 DEFUNCTI [NOMEN]
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