Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Khartoum (Fides Service)- An international group of four Franciscans is preparing to start a Franciscan Fraternity in Khartoum, capital of Sudan. Fr. Leopold Micic Croatian and Fr Melito Pinili from the Philippines are presently studying Arabic at Dar Comboni Institute in Cairo, in Egypt. While Father Peter Tindo and Father John Lemi, both Sudanese, are taking a three year specialisation course in Rome.
With these studies in languages and theology the Religious have started to build their Intercultural Fraternity and to draft a plan of community life. Recently the four members of the fledgling Fraternity met at Grottaferrata College outside Rome together with Fr. Amaral Berardo Amaral, definitor general for Africa and Fr Vincenzo Brocanelli, moderator general for Missions.
Also present at the meeting Minister General Fr. José R. Carballo, who recalled the Franciscan spirit of the mission and indicated lines for the new Franciscan presence in Sudan.
In the next two years preparations will include contact with the local Church in Khartoum, visits and other formative meetings. This new Franciscan Fraternity in Sudan is expected to be inaugurated in October 2007. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/2/2006 righe 20 parole 222)
