FRATERNITAS
Eng. Vol. XLIV. Nr. 181 - OFM Rome * E-mail: fraternitas@ofm.org - 01. 11. 2011
The Pope in Assisi – 25th Anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi
Benedict XVI was a pilgrim in Assisi on October 27, 2011, along with leaders of the great religions of the world. It was a
day of reflection, dialogue, and prayer for peace and justice and a privileged moment to relive the twenty-fifth anniversary
of the historic meeting convened by Pope Wojtyla in Assisi in 1986. The theme that the Pope indicated for the celebration
of the day was "Pilgrims of Truth. Pilgrims of Peace."
In spiritual continuity with the day promoted by Blessed John Paul II, this day in Assisi has been characterized as a
specific contribution by the current Pontiff. In his social encyclical, in fact, he recalls that peace is the result of a
commitment supported by a truth-filled love. The new name of peace can rightly be called Caritas in Veritate. How and
why does the building of a just social and political order, co-essential to peace, depend on the search for global truth about
man, on the first knowledge of moral principles inscribed in the conscience and, ultimately, on the incessant desire for the
true and Supreme Good, namely, God?
Vatican Radio on the Path of Francis
From October 2 to 5, 2011, the Pope’s radio sent a "radio pilgrimage" just walking distance from certain places in the
valley of Rieti, which testify to the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi such as Rieti - Fontecolombo - Greccio - Poggio Bustone
- The Forest. It was an opportunity to enter into the mood of the appointment of October 27, 2011, in Assisi, where the
Pope prayed for peace with the world's religious leaders. On the Path of St. Francis was an occasion for a Turkish Muslim,
a Ukrainian Orthodox, and a Waldensian pastor to come together. The group of people of different faiths and
denominations marched for about 80 km. Direct telephone links were made with the Italian channel One or Five Live of
the Vatican Radio by the journalist Antonella Palermo. The event was held in collaboration with the Committee of
"Friends of the Path of Saint Francis".
Rome - Fourth Day for the Associations of the Holy Land: On October 22, 2011, at the PUA the fourth annual meeting
took place between the Custos of the Holy Land and voluntary organizations that support projects in the Holy Land. The
theme of this fourth edition, "Freedom of Religion: The Road to Peace" was closely linked to the meeting convened for
October 27, 2011, in Assisi by Pope Benedict XVI on the occasion of 25 years of the historic meeting with representatives
of all religions. Following on this important event, we chose to reflect on the same theme applying it closer to the context
of the Holy Land, "Religious Freedom: the Road to Peace in the Holy Land. The Role of Associations and
Volunteers to Strengthen Religious Freedom.” Together with the Custos, from the Gospel, we tried to answer the
question as to why it is fundamental, as the Pope said, to guarantee religious freedom to achieve peace.
Spirit of Assisi in Slovenia
Since its beginning, the Franciscan family in Slovenia has been promoting prayer in the Spirit of Assisi, following the
desire of the Ministers General, as they wrote in their letter of October 4, 1987, to all the Friars: "We ask that each year,
always on October 27, all the sons and daughters of St. Francis should celebrate the spirit of Assisi in the best ways the
Lord of peace will suggest them."
During moments of prayer, they have always tried to celebrate together the main foundations of peace, namely, prayer,
fasting, and pilgrimage. With much joy and kindness, our bishops also took part in these prayers. Then, the Superiors of
the Franciscan family appointed a commission, entrusting it with the task to follow and organize all the work for the
realization of meetings, study days, and prayer for peace in the Spirit of Assisi. The commission was composed of Janez
Šamperl, OFMConv, Stane Bester, OFMCap, and Robert Bahčič, OFM. Also, during these years, several days of study
were devoted to the issue of peace, always in preparation for the prayer of October 27. Then, spiritual retreats with the
Poor Clares were proposed several times, including participating in their midnight prayer. In 2000, a lamp was prepared to
go around all the communities of Friars, Sisters, and SFO, and be turned on at least the 27 of each month during prayer for
peace and the celebration of the Eucharist. The prayer of St. Francis for peace was distributed to all the faithful, so that
they may pray for peace at home. Even the youth, in 1995, found a good opportunity to bring peace to people through
songs and prayers along the streets in several cities of Slovenia. The initiative is called Podaj mi roko (Give me a hand).
Phrases from the Bible that spoke of peace along with small candles and prayers were distributed to the people along the
streets. Also this year, in preparation for the 25th anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi, a day of study was organized on
October 22, 2011, when the above-mentioned three brothers shared prospects for the future as well as their testimony
about the beginnings of the Spirit of Assisi in Slovenia.
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Regula et vita Minorum Fratrum haec est, scilicet Domini nostri Jesu Christi sanctum Evangelium observare (RB I,1)
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25th Anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi – Initiatives of the Franciscan Movement
of Tuscany
Among the various initiatives planned by the Franciscan Movement for the 25 th anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi, we
remember that of October 22, "Pilgrims of Peace". It was a silent march through the streets of Florence (Italy), starting
from Monte alle Croci, continuing by St. Nicholas Church, through the bridge (Ponte alle Grazie), up to Santa Croce,
where a prayer vigil was held, organized by the lay Franciscans of Florence.
XIII General Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order
The SFO General Chapter was held in Brazil at the Holy Faith Pastoral Center in San Paolo from October 22 to 29, 2011.
It was the first time a General Chapter was held in South America, where the SFO is more than one-third of the Order and
the Franciscan Youth have a considerable consistency. The central theme of the Chapter was “Evangelized in order to
Evangelize." Over 100 people attended the Chapter. To learn more go to: http://www.ciofs.org/
Italy - Meeting of the Archivists of the Church
The archivists of the secular and regular clergy as well as the associations of the laity, convoked by the "Ecclesiastical
Archivist Association" of the Vatican, met in Sassone Ciampino (Italy) from September 13 to 16, 2011. The central theme
was "Archives and Evangelization," in order to promote the development of records kept in archives connected especially
with evangelization, cataloging, and the preservation of records and access thereto. It has been observed today that there is
little interest for research in the archives of all that has been done in evangelization and the preservation thereof. Cases
such as "sermons", "catechisms", or "Prints" have been expressly mentioned – which are the first familiar catechesis given
by grandmothers. Also, we have noticed that there is too little relationship between the archives of the regular clergy, the
diocesan, and associations, thus expressing the desire to achieve unity in the plurality of the "archives of the Church." We
stress the good reception by the Congress people on the information given about the Historical Archives of the Order and
its wealth of documents – as evidence of the work of evangelization in the Church by the Franciscans.
Paris (France) – Meeting of French Speaking Franciscans
A meeting of Ministers, Custodes and Presidents of Foundations, and of Delegates of the French-speaking countries where
the Order is present met for the first time from September 13 to 15, 2011, at St. Francis Convent in Paris. Many problems
were addressed and various proposals considered, especially, about creating a French network of collaboration and mutual
assistance; carrying out the translation and dissemination of the texts of the Order in French; programming initial and
ongoing formation and studies; and to think of the place of the French language in the Order. Represented at the meeting
were the following Entities: the Provinces of St. Joseph (Canada), of the Incarnate Word (West Africa), St. Benedict the
African (Congo DRC), St. Francis of Assisi (Nairobi), Blessed Pacific (Western France), the Three Companions (Eastern
France / Belgium), and St. Francis (Vietnam); the Custody of the Holy Land; dependent Custodies (Immaculate
Conception of Madagascar (Nairobi) and Holy Martyrs of Morocco; and the foundations of the Holy Cross (Haiti), the
Central African Republic (Prov. St. Benedict the African), Our Lady of Africa (Minister General), and of Mauritius
(Nairobi).
Paris (France) – New Franciscan School
In order to encourage the study and transmission of the immense Franciscan cultural and artistic heritage, the leaders of
the First Order of France, i.e, the Friars Minor, the Conventuals and Capuchins, have decided to create a new Franciscan
school in Paris. The inauguration will take place from November 18-19, 2011, in the Convent of St. Francis with a
celebration and a symposium. The school is part of Franciscan teachers of the University of Paris founded in the thirteenth
century. It promises to "stimulate and promote studies, research, and formation in the different fields of culture" in order to
make known Franciscan thought and its influence throughout the centuries. The School will also use the Internet and
provide a certificate of Franciscan Studies at the Masters level. It will have for its "sponsor" the Pontifical Antonianum
University, the Catholic Institute of Paris, the Sevres Centre (Jesuits), the College of the Bernadines, and the National
French Archives. The new Rector of the Franciscan School is Br. Claude Coulot and the Committee of honor is chaired by
the Academician André Vauchez, a leading scholar of Franciscan thought in our century.
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Regula et vita Minorum Fratrum haec est, scilicet Domini nostri Jesu Christi sanctum Evangelium observare (RB I,1)
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Colombia – Latin American Congress of Formation and Studies (UCLAF)
The Continental Congress of Formation held in Bogota, from September 11 to 18, 2011, had for its objective to reflect
together as Friars Minor Formators to be "Bearers of the Gift of the Gospel" in Latin America. It was convoked by the
Minister General in response to the mandates of the last General Chapter. The Congress was organized by the General
Secretariat for Formation and Studies, OFM, and the Union of Latin American Franciscan Conferences (i.e., Cono South,
Bolivarian, Brazilian, Mexico-Central America, and the Caribbean).In attendance were 51 Franciscan Friars in charge of
Formation in the area of vocation promotion or Postulancy and Directors of Post-Novitiate. Currently, as reported by the
participants in the Congress, UCLAF has 1142 formandi of which 359 are candidates, 224 postulants, 121 novices, and
438 simply professed. These are accompanied by 240 Formators. Go to: www.ofm.org
Colombia – Visit to the Sector of Formation and Studies of the Province of Holy Faith
The Secretariat for Formation and Studies, on the occasion of the celebration of the Continental Congress of Formators in
Latin America (UCLAF) held on September 11 to 18, 2011, in Bogota, Colombia, has had the opportunity to meet some
Formative realities of the Province Holy Faith of Colombia. The venue of the Congress was actually the House of
Formation for the Friars in simple vows.
In this fraternity of St. Bernardin of Siena, there have been various discussions with Formators regarding the formative
process at this stage. In addition to informal meetings, we held a meeting of all Formators and those in formation with the
Secretary-General for Formation and Studies, Br. Vidal Rodriguez Lopez, OFM, and Vice-Secretary, Br. Sergiusz
Baldyga. At that meeting, the Secretary stressed the need to acquire a culture of accompanying that endures beyond Initial
Formation through a gradual acquisition of a greater responsibility in the formation of each individual and in the synthesis
and integration of studies and formation for a better evangelical quality of our life and mission. They also visited the
University of St. Bonaventure, which has four locations: Bogota, Cali, Medellin, and Cartagena and is recognized for its
high academic and formative quality as one of the largest Catholic universities in the country and in Latin America. The
Province currently has 179 solemnly professed Friars, of which 11 are Formators. There are 57 candidates, 14 postulants,
12 novices, 41 simply professed, and 12 solemnly professed who continue to study. Go to: www.ofm.org
Franciscan Bookmark
Franciscan Faith: Sacred Art in Ireland AD 1600-1750 published by the National Museum of Ireland.
The book accompanies an exhibition of great success at the National Museum of Ireland that celebrates the heritage of the
Irish Franciscans at the end of the early and post-medieval period. The catalogs are about 50 volumes of the best pieces
held by the Order, consisting largely of altar plates, but also include, sculptures, furniture, and seals. The catalog is
accompanied by a series of essays dealing with aspects of the culture of the Irish Franciscans, such as ornaments of the
churches and of personal devotion, with a unique collection of silver goblets of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Dying, As A Franciscan. Approaching our Transitus to Eternal life and Accompanying Others Approach Theirs by
Franciscan Institute Publications, NY 2011, pp. 118.
Many of us within the Franciscan family of the 21st century, Friars, Sisters, Lay people, and all who are associated in
some way with the Poor Man of Assisi, are surrounded by those within our communities and families who need to be
accompanied along the path toward the fullness of life. Moreover, each of us, one day, will be walking along the same
road.
Is there a particular Franciscan approach to our passage to the Lord and helping others do the same? Are there particular
elements within the Franciscan tradition, stories, symbols, rituals, and more, from which all of us can draw to help
ourselves and others we accompany during this final pilgrimage? Yes, there are! And dying as a Franciscan answers these
questions.
XV Summer Course. Franciscanism in Andalucía: Documentation, Bibliography and Iconography (Lucena,
Córdoba, August 4-6, 2009), Cordoba, El Alemendro Editions, 2010, pp. 389.
The work contains the proceedings of the Summer School of Priego of Cordoba indicated in the title thereof. It should be
noted, before proceeding further, the origin of these courses and their close relationship with the Hispanic Association of
Franciscan Studies (AHEF). The origins of this association took place in December of 1987; its main promoter was José
Martí, librarian and archivist of the Franciscan Province of Catalonia, now deceased. The statutes specify the objectives of
the association, viz, to deepen the knowledge of the historical figure of Saint Francis, in his writings, his biographers,
Orders and Religious Congregations founded by him and currently known by the common denominator of the Franciscans
(Religious Observant, Discalced, Capuchins, the Third Order Regular, Poor Clares, Conceptionists, etc., placed under the
OFM initials). The reflections and studies on Franciscans groups mentioned should embrace their theological,
philosophical, historical, artistic, literary, and sociological projection.
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Regula et vita Minorum Fratrum haec est, scilicet Domini nostri Jesu Christi sanctum Evangelium observare (RB I,1)
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Great and Small News
Brazil - Faculty of Theology - ITF (Franciscan Theological Institute) reaches everyone to share the second issue of the
ITF journal.
They are also about to send a scanned version of the ITF-Magazine, using the Flip technology, that is a presentation
system for web publications with its own original format printing. For more info go to
http://www.youblisher.com/p/174905-Revista-ITF-n-2/
An International Seminar on the various translations of the Franciscan Sources was held on October 28, 2011, in
Milan, at the Sacred Heart Catholic University. The seminar was organized by the Franciscan School of Medieval Studies
- Pontifical Antonianum University with the Catholic University in collaboration with the International Society of
Franciscan Studies, the Inter-University Centre, and the Institute of Franciscan Studies of spirituality. In the first part,
several professors gave their presentations followed at the end by a round table discussion under the title: From
Translations to a New Publishing Project. The speakers were Leonard Lehmann (German edition), Jacques Dalarun (new
ed. French), Michael Blastic (new ed. English), Aristide Cabassi-Luciano Bertazzo (Italian edition), and Fernando Uribe
(Spanish ed.).
Italy - The Interprovincial Novitiate in Piedmont: September 17, 2011, was a special and historic day, marking the
official opening of the Interprovincial Novitiate in Piedmont Matese of the seven OFM Provinces of COMPI South. After
years of listening and dialogue about "Ongoing and Initial Formation, evangelization, promoting vocations, and culture"
(Project COMPI No. 28), they have finally embarked on a new journey together.
South Slavic Conference - Meeting of South Slavic Novices took place from September 22 to 25, 2011, in Slovenia.
Five Novice Masters participated with 30 novices from Bosnia/Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia. In these regions the
Franciscan charism has been present for nearly 800 years and still attracts many young people to follow the Gospel
according to the exemplary nature of St. Francis in the Order of Friars Minor.
Conference on Edith Stein in Slovakia - The International Conference entitled: "Husserl und Thomas von Aquin bei
Edith Stein" took place from October 6 to 8, 2011, at the Catholic University in Ružomberok (Slovakia). The speakers
from different nationalities made their point on the possible "continuity" in the philosophy of Edith Stein that already
existed in the phenomenology of Edmund Husserl and, secondly, in the speculation of Thomas Aquinas. Particularly
significant was the consent given to the solution by many scholars as proposed in recent years by Br. Francis Alfieri,
OFM, on the problem of principium individuationis in the writings of Edith Stein with possible "convergences" with the
doctrine of Duns Scotus. This is interesting when you consider that for a long time the problem of the person and
individuality was always considered by interpreters and Steinians commentators as being under the aegis of a continuity
with Thomistic speculation. For more information go to the website at http://ff.ku.sk/images/stories/editastein/index.html
Exhibition - "The Splendor of Truth. The Beauty of love - Artists' Tribute to Pope Benedict XVI for his 60 Years of
Priesthood." The exhibition was hosted in the Hall of Paul VI at the Vatican from July 5 to September 4, 2011, and was
inaugurated by the Holy Father on July 4, 2011. Among the artists’ work of worldwide fame and great talent - chosen
from among many - were Br. Sidival Fila of the Roman Province of Saints Peter and Paul, stationed at the Convent of St.
Bonaventure on the Palatine in Rome. Go to http://www.sidival.eu/
New President of the FMO Franciscan Organization: the Franciscan NGO (nongovernmental organization),
"Franciscans for Central and Eastern Europe (FMO)", operating in different countries of Europe and based in Vienna
(Austria), will have as President Br. Oliver Ruggenthaler, a young Minister Provincial of the Province of Austria. As he
accepted the appointment with enthusiasm during the last plenary session of COTAF, Br. Oliver stressed the importance
of the Franciscan presence in Central and Eastern Europe, which is a commitment that has become a true mission in these
times of moral and economic crisis.
Rome - The inauguration of the academic year 2011-2012 of the PUA as well as the installation of the new Rector, Priam
Etzi, OFM, both took place on October 20, 2011, with Holy Mass presided by the Chancellor of the PUA, José R.
Carballo, OFM, Minister General.
Agenda of the Minister General
01-04 November: Fraternal Visit to the Caribbean Custody
07-18 November: Meeting of the General Definitory (Rome).
08 November: Feast of the Blessed John Duns Scotus (PUA – Rome).
14-18 November: Meeting of the Visitators General to the Provinces (Rome).
20 November: Send-off of New OFM Missionaries (Santa Maria of the Angels – Assisi).
23-25 November: Participating at the semiannual General Assembly of the USG (Rome).
FRATERNITAS - OFM – Rome
Redactor: Robert Bahčič
Internet: http://www.ofm.org/fraternitas E-mail: rbahcic@ofm.org
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Regula et vita Minorum Fratrum haec est, scilicet Domini nostri Jesu Christi sanctum Evangelium observare (RB I,1)
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