Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Assisi (Agenzia Fides) – The “International Chapter of Mats” of the Franciscan Friars from all over the world opened on April 15 in Assisi (see Fides 8/4/2009). Representatives from the male branches of the four Franciscan families (Friars Minor, Conventual Friars, Capuchin Friars, and Third Order Regulars) met in what is the second large-scale meeting in the history of the Franciscan Order. The first took place in 1221, upon the initiative of Saint Francis himself. Nearly 5,000 brothers met with their founder to discuss their own life and rule. Today, as well, over 2,000 Franciscans, from 65 countries in the world showed their joy at being able to come together. Just as in the first meeting, this one also took place in the Porziuncola, central site of the spiritual and missionary growth of Francis and his Order. Here, at the Porziuncola, the friars have come once more to draw from the sources of their charism and thus be ready to answer the questions being presented by people today on faith, morals, peace, ecology, and fraternity.
At the beginning of the Chapter, there was a presentation of the Rule written by Saint Francis. During the act, the General Minister of the Friars Minor, Fr. Jose R. Carballo, also read a moving letter from the Poor Clares of the Monastery of Paganica (in L'Aquila), whose convent was recently destroyed in the earthquake in Abruzzo, as well as a letter from Fr. Alois, Prior of the Taize Community. Later, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFMCap, presented the history of evangelization according to the various methods of the Franciscans over the centuries. Bishop Sorrentino of Assisi, in the opening Mass which was also attended by many faithful, highlighted the need to enter into the present cultural context so as to learn to dialogue with it, recuperating the missionary spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi and his first companions. The Chapter, which will feature informative and celebratory events, lasts until Saturday, April 18 and concludes in Rome with an audience with the Holy Father and a meeting with the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 16/4/2009)
