VOXFRANCISCANA YOUFRA - AT WORLD YOUTH DAY - CIOFS.ORG
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vox
SUMMER 2019
FranciscanA
Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis Published by CIOFS
YouFra
AT WORLD
YOUTH DAY
VOX Franciscana • 1 • SUMMER 2019
CIOFS Presidency
Segreteria CIOFS,
Via Vittorio Putti, 4, Int. 6,
00152 Rome, Italia
Tel. 0039 06 45471722
Fax. 0039 06 45473094
E-mail: ciofs@ciofs.org
www.ciofs.org
MINISTER GENERAL
Tibor Kauser, OFS
Hungary
VICE-MINISTER GENERAL
Maria Consuelo de Nuñez, OFS REFLECTIONS ON
Venezuela FRANCIS AND
PRESIDENCY COUNCILORS THE SULTAN
Ana Fruk, OFS Pages 16-19
Croatia
Ana Maria Raffo Laos, OFS Celebrating the Rule OFS ACTION
Peru Secular Franciscans and friars from several coun- AROUND GLOBE
Jenny Harrington, OFS tries gathered at the Seraphicum in Rome for a
CHAPTERS
South Africa CIOFS-sponsored celebration of the 40th anniversa-
ry of the Rule. PAGES 9-11. Photos by Robert Stronach. AND MORE
Silvia Diana, OFS Pages 20-23
Argentina
Attilio Galimberti, OFS ‘WELL4AFRICA’
Italy
FRESH WATER
Augustine Young Hak Yoon, OFS
Korea
PROJECTS
Page 24
Michel Janian, OFS
Lebanon
FRANCISCAN YOUTH COVER
COUNCILOR Presidency
Andrea Odak Karlović, OFS Councilor Ana
Bosnia and Herzegovina Fruk, OFS, and
Franciscan Youth
GENERAL SPIRITUAL Coordinator Andrea
ASSISTANTS Odak Karlović, OFS,
Fr. Amando Trujillo-Cano, TOR mirror the youthful
Fr. Pedro Zitha, OFM exuberance at
Fr. Francis Bongajum Dor, OFM Cap World Youth Day
Fr. Alfred Parambakathu, OFM Conv in Panama.
COMMUNICATIONS INSET: YouFra
Ana Fruk, Michel Janian, leaders join
Fr. Francis Bongajum Dor, X Latin America Congress Minister General
Xavi Ramos, Robert Stronach. Secular Franciscans, Franciscan youth, and spiritual Tibor Kauser, OFS,
assistants converged on Guatemala in January for posing among the
EDITOR large letters of the
Robert Stronach, OFS the X Latin America Congress. Here a wall-mounted
Panama sign.
USA congress emblem welcomed participants. PAGE 14-
Pages 12-13
15. Photo by Silvia Diana/Ana Maria Raffo.
VOX Franciscana • 2 • SUMMER 2019
The CIOFS Presidency meets in
the home town of St. Padre Pio
CIOFS: a meeting and a pilgrimage
Story and photos by ROBERT STRONACH, OFS
The spring meeting of Chapter, and getting up- dining room for the week- pilgrims, the couple found
the CIOFS Presidency dates from the formation, long, roundtable meeting. themselves with some
became a pilgrimage. finance, juridical, JPIC and (The Presidency brought its funds from an inheritance,
Members gathered in communications com- own wireless headphones bought the property and
Rome at the Seraphicum missions. They also were and transmitters for inter- built the hotel. Padre Pio
(Pontifical University of St. immersed in the spiritual preters and members to use said to call it “Pace,” Maria
Bonaventure) and boarded impact of St. Padre Pio. to communicate in English, Pia noted.
a bus to head 180 miles In fact, one could not Italian and Spanish). Stories like that abound
east through the Apennine escape the Capuchin saint’s Maria Pia Vinelli, whose in the town where the
Mountains to San Giovanni influence. His image and family operates the hotel, saint ministered and is
Rotondo in Puglia (prov- likeness were everywhere: recounted how her parents, now entombed. It is a site
ince of Foggia and region on the facades of buildings, Irma and Giuseppe Vi- of spiritual nourishment,
of Apulia), not far from the on billboards, and in stores nelli, had been caretakers but it is also a place where
Adriatic Sea. and restaurants and hotels. for a house on the land lodging, restaurant and
As usual, they conducted A life-size statue of Padre for a family from Rome. tourist businesses sprang
the business of the order Pio greeted Presidency Padre Pio was her moth- up to welcome an estimat-
– reporting on visits to members upon arrival at er’s confessor, and after he ed seven million visitors
national fraternities, plan- Hotel Pace, which had sec- encouraged her to find a each year.
ning for the 2020 General tioned off a portion of its way to provide lodging for Continued on page 5.
VOX Franciscana • 3 • SUMMER 2019
CIOFS Presidency
CIOFS Presidency councilors reported on visits to National Fraternities, Emerging Fraternities and the Latin American Congress.
FROM LEFT: ANA FRUK, OFS; AUGUSTINE YOON, OFS; ANA MARIA RAFFO LAOS, OFS; SYLVIA DIANA, OFS; MICHEL JANIAN, OFS; JENNY HARRINGTON, OFS.
JPIC Commission reported
on progress of drilling water
wells in Africa, and presented a
showing of “The Saint and the
Sultan” movie for Presidency
members.
LEFT: ATTILIO GALIMBERTI, OFS,
COUNCILOR AND JPIC CHAIR.
RIGHT: Tibor Kauser, OFS, minis-
ter general, and Maria Consue-
lo de Nuñez, OFS, vice minister
general, led discussions on the
2020 General Chapter.
Presidency members on the Africa Project Team huddled to discuss Franciscan Youth Councilor Andrea Odak Karlović,
plans for another formation workshop. Having conducted work- OFS, reported on the international YouFra gathering at
shops in English and French, this third one would be aimed at Por- World Youth Day in Panama, and on hopes for another
tuguese-speakng countries on the continent. CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: OFS-YouFra European Congress, this time in Spain, and
Jenny Harrington; Michel Janian; Pedro Zitha, OFM, and Silvia Diana. for a 3rd International YouFra Assembly in Mexico.
VOX Franciscana • 4 • SUMMER 2019
CIOFS Presidency continued from page 3
A short walk up the left is the newer Padre Pio of glass. It can seat 6,500
street (Viale Cappuc- Pilgrimage Church. A vast for indoor services, with
cini) from the hotel is sloping plaza draws visitors the plaza capable of holding
the Santa Maria delle to the newer structure, 30,000 people facing the
Grazie Church, and with its impressive curves, church’s outdoor altar.
just beyond to the elongated arches and wall Continued on next page.
Santa Maria delle Grazie Church
Statue of Padre Pio inside the
Pilgrimage Church.
Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church
also known as the Sanctuary of St. Pio of Pietrelcina
VOX Franciscana • 5 • SUMMER 2019
CIOFS Presidency continued from previous page
During the Presidency meeting Body of Padre Pio in the crypt of Santa
(March 16-23), the body of Padre Maria delle Grazie Church.
Pio was on display in the crypt
under the older church. His body BELOW: General Spiritual Assistants concele-
brate Mass near the tomb of Padre Pio. FROM
rested at eye level, encased in glass, LEFT: Fr. Amando Trujillo-Cano, TOR, Fr. Pedro
in the center of the room. Visitors Zitha, OFM, Fr. Alfred Parambakathu, OFM
could kneel, pray and meditate on Conv, and Fr. Francis Bongajum Dor, OFM Cap.
all four sides of the tomb. The four
general spiritual assistants assigned
to CIOFS were able to concelebrate
early morning mass right next to
the tomb, with Presidency members
participating along with some reli-
gious sisters, friars and lay people.
One evening Presidency members
took a stroll in the other direction,
down the street from the hotel, then
down a flight of stairs to a lower
street to the Church of St. Francis of
Assisi, home to San Giovanni Ro-
tondo OFS and YouFra fraternities.
The fraternities, along with Puglia
OFS Regional Council, national
OFS representatives and Puglia Re-
gional Commission for Franciscan
Children, welcomed their CIOFS
brothers and sisters to an evening of
joyful bonding. It began with hand-
shakes, hugs and welcome speech-
es. Next was a spiritual lecture in
the church by university professor
Michele Illiceto, followed by pizza,
pastries, wine and soda in the parish
center. It began with handshakes, ABOVE AND BELOW: OFS members of Puglia and San Giovanni Rotondo welcome the CIOFS
Presidency at St. Francis of Assisi Church in San Giovanni Rotondo.
hugs and welcome speeches. Next
was a spiritual lecture in the church
by a university professor, followed
by pizza, pastries, wine and soda in
the parish center. OFS and YouFra
members and friars shared stories,
were prone to burst out in laughter,
and repeatedly posed for photo-
graphs with one another.
Continued on next page.
VOX Franciscana • 6 • SUMMER 2019
CIOFS Presidency continued from previous page
•••
The CIOFS Presidency con-
ducted business from morning
to night. The day began early
with morning prayer and Mass,
and ended with evening prayer.
During a break, the members
were blessed by a visit to Monte
Sant’ Angelo, which houses the
underground Sanctuary of St.
Michael the Archangel, and to the
tomb of former Minister General
Emmanuela de Nunzio, OFS, in
Rodi Garganico.
The sanctuary is one of seven
related to Archangel Michael that
form a straight line from Ireland Entrance (above) to the underground Sanctuary of Michael the Archangel (above right & below).
to Israel. This “sacred line” is of-
ten referred to as Michael’s sword.
The general spiritual assistants
concelebrated Mass in the sanctu-
ary, built inside a grotto or cave.
Several Presidency members
who had met Emmanuela were
particularly inspired to visit her
resting place in a mausoleum.
She was the second minister
general of the reorganized world-
wide Secular Franciscan Order.
Minister General Tibor Kauser,
OFS, recalled meeting her for the
first time at the newly organized
National Hungarian Fraterni-
ty in the early 1990s, and then
working with her on the Juridical
Commission during the admin-
istration of Encarnación del Pozo
Minister General
Martínez, OFS. “I learned a lot
Tibor Kauser, OFS,
from her,” he said, noting that at Emmanuela de
Emmanuela had been a lawyer Nunzio’s mausole-
who worked tirelessly for unifica- um.
tion of the order.
Continued on next page.
VOX Franciscana • 7 • SUMMER 2019
CIOFS Presidency continued from previous page
•••
Members of the CIOFS
Presidency were looking
down at their cell phones
and mobile devices during
prayers and Mass. They were
not being distracted. In fact,
they were attentive to the
spiritual moment. It was a
sign of the digital age – of
going paperless (thus helping
the environment and saving
money from printing). The CIOFS
The liturgy of the hours Presidency
and the prayers and read- saved paper
ings of the Mass were put costs by
praying the
in e-book form and down- Liturgy of
loaded to their devices. Even the Hours
some of the friars were using together
their devices to concelebrate on mobile
Mass. devices.
•••
On the final day in San
Giovanni Rotondo, Fr.
Amando Trujillo Cano, TOR,
Fr. Amando during
celebrated his last Mass as a
his last Mass for
member of the Conference the Presidency.
of General Assistants, hav-
ing served 12 years with the
Presidency. It was an emo-
tional liturgy. Even though
he was the celebrant, he was
compelled to pick up his gui-
tar and sing along with the
Presidency members. In fact,
his face lit up with tearful joy
as the members performed a most beautiful passages God’s generosity of love, He closed with the words
special rendition of a song he in the Bible” -- the Prod- the father welcomed him of Pope Francis: “There is
had written (“Isabel, En- igal Son’s return. The son back. “Each one of us is the no saint without a past and
séñanos a Amar”). told his father that he did prodigal son without merit no sinner without a future.”
Fr. Amando’s parting ser- not deserve to be called before God…but it is im- •••
mon focused on “one of the his son… but, just like portant to go back to God.” Continued on next page.
VOX Franciscana • 8 • SUMMER 2019
CIOFS Presidency: celebrating the Rule continued from previous page
The spring meeting cul- Benedetto Lino, OFS, (the
Cardinal history of the rule) and
minated in a return trip to
João Braz de Aviz
Rome to celebrate the 40th Michèle Altmeyer, OFS
anniversary of the OFS Rule (spiritual elements of the
with Mass and a series of rule).
lectures at the Seraphicum. But before the stand-
The celebration attracted ing-room-only crowd could
dignitaries and friars and exit the chapel and head
Secular Franciscans from to the lecture hall, Cardi-
several countries. Among nal Aviz praised the youth
them was Cardinal João choir, Schola Cantorum Di-
Braz de Aviz, prefect of ocesana Corodia (who also
the Vatican’s Congregation build our relationship with can preaching and our role had performed at the 2017
for Institutes of Conse- God. “Feel this love of God as penitents.) General Chapter), and then
crated Life and Societies and serve this love with The lectures highlighted invited Secular Franciscans
of Apostolic Life. He your life,” he said. the history and aspects of to join him in the sanctuary
presided at Mass, along Also participating was the Rule. The other speak- for a photo op.
with the secretary of the papal household preacher ers were former Minister Joining the cardinal and
congregation, Archbishop Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, General Encarnación del archbishop on the altar
José Rodríguez Carballo, OFM Cap., who joined Pozo Martínez, OFS (who during mass were Deacon
OFM. Referring to the 40th several Secular Franciscan spoke of how the rule is Giancarlo Carletti, OFS, and
Anniversary, Aviz remind- presenters for the lecture arranged and the present General Spiritual Assistant
ed the OFS present that series. (His topic was: The challenges) and former Amando Trujillo Cano,
this moment is meant to living memory of Francis- Presidency Councilors TOR.
Photo op with Cardinal João Braz de Aviz during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Rule.
VOX Franciscana • 9 • SUMMER 2019
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Rule
A crowd of Secular Franciscans and friars from several countries converged on the Seraphicum on March 24 to celebrate the
40th anniversary of the Rule. At right is Minister General Tibor Kauser, OFS.
“ We must remember that 40 years ago we re-
ceived a gift – not only a text, but a confirma-
tion of being part of a family, an organic union
and a way of life: a life that is lived in fraternity,
a reciprocal life with the members of the Order
and the Franciscan Family…Every celebration
has its fruits. If a celebration doesn’t bring
fruits, it is not a true celebration. One fruit is
the growth of our gratitude toward God. We
must always be mindful that all good comes
from God and we must thank God. If gratitude
does not grow in our hearts, we have not under-
”
stood that God is the source of all goodness.
Tibor Kauser, OFS, Minister General
VOX Franciscana • 10 • SUMMER 2019Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Rule
“ Secular Franciscans are the vast majority of Franciscans.
They live immersed in the things of the world, and without
their contribution, it is not possible to convert and restore
the world to Christ, in its most intimate and vital ways. The
laity and seculars are therefore essential. For this reason, the
First, Second and Third Orders of St. Francis must rediscov-
er the meaning of the common mission, each coordinating
with the other two Franciscan Orders. It is an essential mis-
”
sion in God’s plan for Franciscans.
Benedetto Lino, OFS
“ I firmly believe that, based on the experience of these first 40
years, the future of formation in the Order must be oriented to-
wards being. By only doing, without being, the Order will not
”
mature, and gradually regress to a simple and tired routine.
Encarnación del Pozo, OFS
“ All this, that is written in the Rule we professed, is a de-
manding journey, a response to the crucified love of Je-
sus. We cannot stop only at an intellectual adherence to
the contents of the Rule, we must move on to its concrete
implementation. From the Gospel, it means from Christ,
to life, and from life to the Gospel. Here the authenticity of
”
our vocation and our commitment is played out.
Michèle Altmeyer, OFS
“ What does the famous word metanoia mean? What is true
repentance and true contrition? Literally, the word means a
change of thought, of the way of seeing and judging things,
a mental revolution. But it is not a question of abandoning a
previous way of thinking … to form a somewhat more spiri-
tual and evangelical one. True metanoia is abandoning one’s
way of thinking and marrying our way of thinking to that of
”
God -- seeing oneself and one’s life as God sees them.
Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap.
VOX Franciscana • 11 • SUMMER 2019YouFra at World Youth Day
120 Franciscan Youth gather in Panama
by JUAN ANTONIO FIGUEROA MARRUFO, YouFra Mexico
The YouFra International Eucharistic presiders were Vidales, OFS, internation- YouFra around the world.
Gathering took place on the Panama Archbish- al counselor for YouFra During one led by Félix
January 17-21, 2019, the op José Domingo Ulloa, Mexico, Central America Chocojay, OFS, of Guate-
days prior to World Youth and the general spiritual and the Caribbean, entitled mala, we discussed the use
Day in Panama. The motto assistants for the Secular “Inspired in St. Francis and of social networks to spread
for the gathering was, “We Franciscan Order. with Him, We Are Called the Good News. Francisco
are brothers and sisters During the formation to Rebuild the Church.” Loaiza, OFS, of Costa Rica
following the Teacher, as moments, various topics The main presentation was described how they built a
Mary did.” (cf. Mt 23:8). were presented. Andrea by Tibor Kauser, minister good relationship with the
This fraternal gathering Karlović, OFS, YouFra general of the OFS. Tibor OFS. And all the way from
consisted of 120 brothers international coordinator, reflected on the “Seven Vietnam, Jerome Nguy-
and sisters from around gave a talk entitled, “Seven- Moments of Mary’s Life en elaborated on how his
the world. They came from ty Years of Commitment to Found in Sacred Scrip- fraternity faces the chal-
Vietnam, Europe, North the Kingdom of God,” the ture” -- which provided lenges they encounter while
America, as well as from journey made by Francis- seven principles to guide fulfilling their Franciscan
Latin America. We shared can youth throughout the our lives as Christians and vocation in the Church and
moments of prayer, forma- years. For another topic Franciscans. in the world.
tion, spirituality, reflection, we formed work groups During roundtable dis- The Feast of the Nations
fellowship and, of course, and elaborated on the talk cussions, we learned about provided moments of joy,
the Holy Eucharist. The given by Judith del Rocio different experiences of Continued on next page.
VOX Franciscana • 12 • SUMMER 2019YouFra at World Youth Day continued from previous page
wherein each country had
an opportunity to share
something representative
of its culture. Also, during
the Ecological March of
Laudato Si, the Interna-
tional Fraternity went on
pilgrimage to the parish
of St. Anthony of Padua.
There we sought to spread
the joy of living the Gospel,
while also creating a con-
sciousness in those around
us to live Laudato Si.
The YouFra International
gathering closed with the
sharing of Holy Eucharist. TOR, we concluded this the International Frater- all over the globe at World
The celebrant, Fr. Ignacio event with hearts full of nity entered into dialogue Youth Day. Under the guid-
Ceja, OFM, a member of renewed conviction to live concerning ways to achieve ance of Pope Francis, we
the general government of the Gospel in our youth. a more effective and pro- meditated specially on the
the Order of Friars Minor, At World Youth Day, found experience of living Blessed Virgin Mary’s “Yes”,
accompanied us on behalf with representatives of the Laudato Si in our everyday and our role in the world
of Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, general ministers of some environment. as agents of change—topics
minister general. With fri- of the Franciscan Orders Franciscan Youth were that were discussed at dif-
ars from different branches and other young people part of approximately ferent moments of fraternal
of the First Orders and from around the world, 400,000 young people from encounter and prayer.
VOX Franciscana • 13 • SUMMER 2019X Latin America Congress
OFS, YouFra from 13 Nations Participate
The National Fraternity
of Guatemala hosted the X
Latin-America Congress
from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1,
2019.
Secular Franciscans and
Franciscan Youth also
came from Argentina,
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia,
Nicaragua, El Salvador,
Costa Rica, Honduras,
Mexico, Cuba, Uruguay,
and Paraguay.
In addition to those 50
participants, there were
ten from Guatemala in
charge of the congress, Participants display their nations’ flags. Photos by Ana Maria Raffo, OFS, & Silvia Noemi Diana, OFS.
along with the National
Council, reported CIOFS Spain) and Silvia Noemi Also participating were Amando Trujillo Cano,
Presidency Councilors Diana, OFS, (Latin Amer- Minister General Tibor TOR, and Fr. Pedro Zitha,
Ana Maria Raffo, OFS, ican South and Portu- Kauser, OFS; General OFM; Emanuelson Matías
(Latin American and guese). Spiritual Assistants Fr. Continued on next page.
VOX Franciscana • 14 • SUMMER 2019A couple of participants play to the camera during one of the Latin America Congress sessions.
Fr. Pedro Zitha, OFM, takes a selfie while oth-
ers (at right) pose for a group photo during the
pilgrmage walk.
Continued from previous page.• “Challenges of Latin Matías De Lima, with pre- Chacón, OFS ( Costa
De Lima, internatioal You- American Youth”. senters Gustavo Benitez, Rica).
Fra councilor for South Workshops covered the OFS (Paraguay), Ailén Na- The congress featured
America, and Francisco following topics: tali, YouFra (Argentina), a pilgrimage, following
Loaiza Mena, substitute • OFS: Conclusions of Felix Chojonay (Guate- the steps of Saint Brother
international YouFra the 2017 General Chapter. mala), and Gloria Ribero, Pedro in Antigua, guided
councilor for Central • YOUFRA: the youth OFS (Colombia). by the provincial minister
America and the Carib- synod and its application • FAMILY: “The Gospel of the friars minor.
bean. today (latin american you- of the Family: Joy for the Another meaningful
The Congress focused fra counselors). World”. Coordinator Silvia aspect of the congress
on several themes: • Spiritual assistants Diana, with presenters was that each participant
• The OFS Rule “40 (general assistants). Fabrizio Martínez, OFS brought baby clothes to
years of life.” Panels included: (Uruguay), Washington be delivered to vulnerable
• “... Become witnesses • JPIC: “Citizen com- Lima, YouFra ( Brasil), families in Guatemala.
and instruments of your mitment, life experiences”. Irene Chacón, YouFra
mission ...” Coordinator Emanuelson (Costa Rica), and Luis
VOX Franciscana • 15 • SUMMER 2019Francis and Damietta
‘The Sultan and the Saint’
After hearing the minister general recount
his participation at celebrations of the 800th
anniversary of the meeting of Francis and
the Sultan at Damietta, CIOFS Presidency
members attended an evening screening
of the film, “The Sultan and the Saint.” The
film was produced in 2016 by UPF, a Muslim
association whose purpose is to promote
dialogue between the Islam and Christian
world. That evening spurred this reflection.
Celebrating 800th anniversary
St. Francis of Assisi before Sultan Malik al-Kamil. Painting by unknown artist of 20th century was photographed in
the church of Convento de Capuchinos, Cordoba, Spain. iStock/Getty Images.
By ATTILIO GALIMBERTI, OFS
When we speak of the the Church of that time, at speak of the problem of that was a coveted model.
Crucifix of San Damiano least regarding temporal violence, which was very Any dispute or conflict
and of the mandate that power and those who ad- strong in the Middle Ages found its solution, not in
Christ entrusts to Francis, ministered it, lived in lux- and involved all strata of dialogue or agreement,
“go and repair my house ury and was certainly not society and, therefore, also but in armed confronta-
that is falling into ruin,” an example of integrity and the Church. The prevailing tion that had to end with
it almost always refers, if consistency with the Word culture celebrated a way of the victory of one and the
not always, to the fact that it proclaimed. We seldom being, the chivalrous one, defeat and annihilation of
VOX Franciscana • 16 • SUMMER 2019the other. It was almost and that recognizes equal “Quia Maior”, the bull with brotherhood of Francis
expected that, whoever dignity for all creatures as which Innocent III calls for and his presence among
had the chance, would arm the work of the Creator, the Fifth Crusade, the one the crusaders in Dami-
himself and learn the use and comes with universal during which Francis goes etta is inserted, and that
of weapons and the chival- kinship as a direct result. to Damietta, promises the the film The Sultan and
rous etiquette And if we are all broth- cross of glories and eter- the Saint analyzes with a
associated with it. Fran- ers, all God’s creatures and nal salvation to those who “modern” perspective, dig-
cis himself, in his youth, his gift – let us remember will fight and kill unfaith- ging among the psychol-
dreamed of becoming a what he writes in his tes- ful enemies, and eternal ogies of the various char-
knight and being glorious tament: the Lord gave me damnation to those who acters, and also analyzing
in combat. Brothers -- then it must be refuse to do so. The battle their journey to get to what
In his encounter with the law of love that should becomes the test of one’s was a fundamental episode
harsh reality in the battle rule the world, and not one faith. The bull expands a in his journey of faith. That
of Collestrada, the roman- of violence and of weapons. lot on other similar moti- journey was misunder-
tic aspect was shattered Francis, a very practical vations in favor of its own stood for many years -- a
and, and instead, Francis man, carries out this model thesis, defining instead the point we are increasingly
experienced the crudeness in the Fraternity he pro- Evil, the enemy camp, and discovering by studying the
of body-to-body combat, poses and lives. the Good, the crusade. documents of the time and
of the need to kill in order But, as we said, this was The culture and institu- not just stopping at hagiog-
not to be killed, of terri- a very violent period and tions of the time are deci- raphies of Francis.
ble imprisonment during it was also the period that sively completely opposed Also in Damietta, in the
which time, an endless the Church and the Catho- to what Francis writes in Crusaders’ camp, Francis
year, he could reflect on lic world were fully com- the Canticle of the Crea- decisively rejects violence
the fact that his friends mitted to the Crusades; tures. And it is in this and invites the
and companions had been wars unleashed against situation soldiers
killed while he, because he the Muslims and which, that the not to
was rich, had been spared under the motivation of message fight and,
because his parents would the reconquest of the Holy of on the
be able to pay a ransom. Land, also hid goals of other
All this affected Francis territorial expansion, side,
deeply and was the start- of domination of the Sultan
ing point for conversion, seas and of great eco-
which provided new and nomic profits.
profound meaning for the The language
encounter with the lep- that was used to Continued on
next page.
er and the episode at the motivate people to
Crucifix. adhere to the call
And it is precisely be- is one of incredi-
cause of these episodes that ble violence and
he embraces Lady Poverty, harshness, and is
a poverty that is under- exactly the op-
stood as a quest and as a posite of what
proposal of a new model Jesus propos-
for society that rejects es in the holy
money, which is used by Gospel and lives
the powerful as a means in his death on “Path of Peace” sculpture of Francis and the Sultan by Mujana Darian, OFS. it
of oppression and power, the cross. The resides in the Monastery of the Poor Clares in Oakville, Missouri, USA. Photo
by Howard Schroeder, OFS.
VOX Franciscana • 17 • SUMMER 2019Francis and the Sultan
Celebrate a great gift
By ANA MARÍA RAFFO LAOS, OFS
This year we joyfully celebrate 800 years of the Assisi, we are also foreigners in these lands. The Lord
encounter between St. Francis of Assisi and the Sultan has given us his love, planted it in our hearts, called
of Egypt Malek al-Kamil, but besides the celebration us to this beautiful vocation. He made us followers of
of this memorable encounter, we are reminded of Saint Francis of Assisi. He has called us to build peace
the great love and mercy that the Lord has for us. He and to make known his infinite love and mercy. We
inspired, he sowed in the hearts of these two great and are called to unite and to build. We come to serve him
noble men his feeling and the desire for peace that led with love, humility and availability.
them to build it. Two men coming from two cultures, With this memorable Encounter, let us also cele-
two realities, but with the same feeling and desire -- brate the great gift of vocation. As Secular Franciscan
love and peace. Brothers and Sisters all over the world, the Lord has
We also come from different realities, from differ- sown the love in our hearts, His love and His desire
ent continents, with different needs, from different for peace. Let us build it day by day, live it faithfully
origins, speaking different languages. Like Francis of and fulfill our mission in the world.
The Sultan and the Saint
Continued from previous page. they are stuck in a flood- of faith, of listening, of Guardian, or in the Praises
Malek al-Kamil would also ed swamp in which they mutual respect, a model of God Most High, would
like to avoid bloodshed, have no way of defending for us on how to behave not have been possible
proposing a peace where themselves and they could when we meet other cul- without this meeting and
he concedes Jerusalem therefore be exterminated. tures and religions. dialogue.
and the holy places to the But, they receive bread, To repeat, listening and These are just ideas to
Christian army. However, water and fodder for the dialogue are fundamen- help us reflect and deepen
because of commercial animals from those, whom tal. All scholars agree in our understanding, but
interests, the pontifical leg- the aforementioned bull affirming that Francis’ above all this is an invita-
ate, commander-in-chief called “beasts, devils and spirituality and faith were tion to continue to live the
of the expedition, rejects despicable beings.” This strengthened and complet- message that Francis left
the proposal but then was provided to them until ed because of this meeting. us in an article of the Early
is defeated when, with they are able to resume What he wrote when he Rule: …do not argue or
Damietta conquered, his their journey and they returned from Damietta is have disputes but be subject
army heads for Cairo. But retreat. significant in this regard. to every human creature for
the defeat for the Chris- This scenario is the The statements we find the love of God and Confess
tians is made even more backdrop for the encoun- in the Early Rule, in the to be Christians...
psychologically dramatic ter between Francis and letter to the Leaders of the May the Lord give you
when they realize that Malek al-Kamil, a meeting People or in the letter to a his peace.
VOX Franciscana • 18 • SUMMER 2019Francis and the Sultan
By HOWARD SCHROEDER, OFS
Another Crusade was
launched to reclaim the
Path of Peace
Holy Land and Francis
could not help but think
of launching a crusade of
his own. “What if the Holy
Land was in our hearts,
and each sacred site was
fought over in the inner
room of our soul?”
Francis and his compan-
ion Illuminato braved not
only many real dangers in
seeking an audience with
the Sultan Malik al-Kamil,
but also had to climb over
a mountain of mispercep-
tions, ignorance, cliches,
prejudices and, of course,
fear.
Upon arriving and
meeting the Sultan, the
exchange in their eyes
was immediate; this
would not be a meeting
Path of Peace © Howard Schroeder, OFS / paintedpsalms.com
comparing mere words,
for they both came from
different books. Francis sacrificed himself to save Deep was the light in his braced the Living Word,
could not help but marvel us. eyes that stirred the Sul- the talk of peace would
at the sincere submission Is there room in the tan’s soul. remain the talk of peace
and piety of the Saracens, human heart for mystery? There was something left instead of living in peace.
sometimes to the shame When the written word whispering in the Sul- The Sultan sent Francis
of Christians, yet could stops and the Living Word tan’s heart that could not on his way with the great-
the Sultan grasp an even begins, so does under- be denied, that the true est regard and insisted he
greater revelation of God? standing. search for peace and holi- and his band of brothers
Majesty, Honor and Glory Francis had faith that ness often exceeded what would always have access
and yet also there is mer- the Trinity would reveal both many Saracens and to the Holy Land, for
cy, humility and a vastness all. He held out the living Christians were prepared he knew that they both
of Love . . . so much that flame of the Holy Spirit to give. Until they moved caught a glimpse of it as it
He joined Himself to us, and invited the Sultan to beyond their clinging to shimmered in their very
became one of us, and He enter into the mystery. the written word and em- souls.
VOX Franciscana • 19 • SUMMER 2019OFS action USA ADOPTS NEW TAU LOGO
The National Fraternity of United States of Amer-
ica has adopted a new Tau
around the logo design for use in
print and on the web.
globe
It boasts a sketchy,
wood, brushstroke ap-
peaerance, and can be used with
or without the words, “Secular
Franciscan Order - USA.” The
logo was designed by Luciano
Craparotta of Italy.
VIETNAM TO HOST ASIA-OCEANIA CONGRESS
The 6th Asia-Oceania to attract more than a general and vice minis-
Congress of the OFS and hundred participants ter general, roundtable
YouFra will take place in from 17 national fra- discussion on vocation
Vietnam in 2020, Presi- ternities. The congress, development, and group
dency Councilor Augus- which will be held May discussions on spiritual
tine Yoon reported. 20-26, 2020, in the city of assistance, JPIC, financ-
With a theme of “Go Vung Tau, will feature, ing, YouFra, membership
and Repair My Church,” among other things, administration and com-
the congress is expected talks by the OFS minister munications.
Vung Tau, Vietnam
PORTUGAL ELECTS UGANDA MOURNS LOSS OF ROLE MODEL
The Elective Chapter of the Nation- Secular Franciscans in Uganda are mourning the pass-
al Fraternity of Portugal was celebrat- ing in April of their long-time role model, Pelagia Mu-
ed from November 16 to 18, 2018 in soke, OFS, reports Presidency Councilor Attilio Galim-
the city of Fatima at the Spirituality berti, OFS. Professed some 40 years ago, the 86-year-old
House of the OFM Capuchins. Pelagia directed a project to help vulnerable families
Rui Jorge de Sousa e Silva, OFS, with school fees from 1987 to 2005, and then started a
was elected minister and internation- cooperative credit society to help empower women fi-
al councilor. Vice Minister is Pedro nancially. She started with 10 women; at the time of her
Nuno da Silva Coelho, OFS. Pelagia Musoke, OFS death, the credit co-op numbered 360 members.
VOX Franciscana • 20 • SUMMER 2019VIETNAM SHOWS
SIGNS OF GROWTH
The Secular Francis-
can Order in Vietnam is
showing “signs of healthy
growth,” reports Presiden-
cy Councilor Augustine
Young Hak Yoon, OFS. He
and General Spiritual Assis-
tant Alfred Parambakathu,
OFM Conv, made a frater-
nal and pastoral visit to the
Vietnam National Fraterni-
ty in November 2018.
With 19 regional frater- Posing for a photo during the visitation to the Vietnam National Fraternity.
nities and 248 canonically
established local frater- another 1,615 in initial for- fraternities had diocesan nities were provided with
nities, Vietnam has 5,603 mation or enquirer stage. priests as spiritual assis- spiritual assistance mostly
professed members, plus Augustine said 112 local tants while 136 local frater- by OFM friars.
ICON ACCOMPANIES The icon of Our Lady, Dina arrived with the Officially constituted in
VISITORS TO Queen of the Franciscan icon, which had complet- 2001, the OFS National Fra-
LITHUANIA Family (Regina Familiae ed its pilgrimage to the ternity of Lithuania today has
Meetings with regional Franciscanae) accompa- Ukraine, and planned some 438 permanently pro-
fraternities, national OFS nied the visitors -- Dina to hand it over to Latvia fessed members, seven tem-
and YouFra leaders, and Francheska Shabalina, following the visitation. porally professed, and some
friars at various levels OFS, of the Ukraine (dele- The icon was created in the 37 candidates. Twenty-seven
highlighted the fraternal gated by the OFS minister run-up to the 3rd European active local fraternities com-
and pastoral visitation to general) and Fr. Francis OFS-YouFra Congress and prise six regions. There are
Lithuania from 14 to 17 Bongajum Dor, OFM Cap, started its pilgrimage among five YouFra local fraternities,
November 2018. general spiritual assistant. fraternities in March 2018. with 56 members.
SLOVENIA HOLDS
ELECTIVE CHAPTER
Fani Pečar, OFS, was elected national minis-
ter during Slovenia’s elective chapter in No-
vember 2018. Presidency Councilor Ana Fruk,
OFS, presided over the elections, with Fr.
Pedro Zitha, OFM, general spiritual assistant,
serving as pastoral witness.
Others elected were: Vice Minister Jožef
Kozel, OFS; Secretary Metod Trajbarič, OFS;
Treasurer: Slavko Žižek, OFS; Formator Mirko
Potočnik, OFS; International Councilor Tomaž
Potokar, OFS; Substitute International Council-
or Metod Trajbarič, OFS, and OFS representa- Presidency Councilor Ana Fruk, OFS, and Fr. Pedro Zitha, OFM,
tive in the YouFra Council: Mojca Špende, OFS. pose with Slovenia National Fraternity leaders.
VOX Franciscana • 21 • SUMMER 2019FRATERNITY
EMERGING
IN KUWAIT
There is a newly forming
fraternity in Kuwait, Pres-
idency Councilor Michel
Janian reported.
He visited Kuwait in
January, meeting with
members of the group
who had petitioned the Newly forming fraternity members pose with Bishop Camillo Ballin and Presidency Coun-
cilor Michel Janian in Kuwait.
CIOFS Presidency for
support and recogni- the local prelate, Bishop Michel appointed the Pajarillo.
tion. The group has been Camillo Ballin (apostolic following provisionary Michel noted that Br.
meeting for three years, vicar of Northern Arabia), council: Minister Lorie Atanacio Monching, OFM
inspired by a visiting friar, expressed their support Pajarillo, Vice minister Cap, expressed his enthu-
and consists of five people for the budding fraternity, Lucie Guiverson, Treasur- siasm to provide spiritual
from the Philippines who Michel noted. The meeting er Edna Aligada, Secretary assistance and help pre-
live and work in Kuwait. took place at Holy Family Catherine Navoa, Forma- pare them for admission to
The Capuchin custos and Cathedral. tion Coordinator Lorie the order and profession.
Newly forming fraternity in Bahrain.
NEWLY FORMING cred Heart Catholic Church the vocation and Francis- Binoy, Vice Minister
GROUP IN BAHRAIN in Manama. The group can charism.This session Prakash Corda, Secretary
Presidency Councilor consists of people from the was followed by an open Nilda S. Aidalgo, Trea-
Michel Janian visited the Philippines and India. forum and then a mass surer Inna Mascarenhas,
Kingdom of Bahrain in “They were very enthu- celebrated by Fr. Peter, Formation Coordinator
January 2019 to meet with a siastic and thirsty to know assisted by Fr. Charbel Matites K. Segubiense.
group of some 30 aspirants more about the order,” Fayad. He also noted the
interested in becoming noted Michel. He provid- With Father Peter as support of the Capuchin
Secular Franciscans. They ed a formation session , spiritual assistant, Michel custos and Bishop Camil-
were recuited by Fr. Peter explaining the nature of appointed a provisionary lo Ballin, apostolic vicar
Eugenio, OFM Cap., at Sa- the order, its history, Rule, council: Minister Joseph of Northern Arabia.
VOX Franciscana • 22 • SUMMER 2019VISIT TO SLOVAKIA
A fraternal and pasto-
ral visit to Slovakia took
place from Nov. 29 to Dec.
2, 2018, reported CIOFS
Presidency Councilor At-
tilio Galimberti, OFS, and
General Spiritual Assistant
Fr. Alfred Parambakathu,
OFM Conv.
They met with the na-
tional council, delegates
from regional and local
fraternitis, and major
superiors and other friars
from the OFM, OFM
Conv., OFM Cap. Posing for a photo during the visitation to Slovakian National Fraternity.
“We are very grateful for
the hospitality“ shown by Gazdik, OFS International visitors throughout their speaking fraternities. The
Fr. Frantisek Olbert, OFM Councilor Lucia Spondia- stay. professed active members
Provincial, Attilio said. kova and National Spiri- The Slovakian National number 901 with another
He also noted “the frater- tual Assistant Fr. Robert Fraternity is divided in five 231 inactive due to age or
nal welcoming“ by OFS Jozef Chabada, OFM. All regions: West, Center, Ora- health.
National Minister Jozef three accompanied the va, East and Hungarian
Living the Gospel through our roles and responsibilities
By CIOFS FORMATION TEAM
As an Order, we are actively integrated in the life they fulfill all their responsibilities.
of Christ. We are part of the body of Christ. The Whether we serve as officers at the local, regional,
promise we made when we were professed requires national or international level, we are co-responsi-
us to be more pro-active, more focused on Christ’s ble for animating and guiding our fraternities and
mission on earth. members.
Further, we have a very specific hierarchical By properly fulfilling our unique roles on the
structure centered on having a council at each level council, we will ensure that the brothers and sisters
which helps to animate and guide the life of Secular receive support and guidance to live their Secular
Franciscan brothers and sisters – to help us live our Franciscan life as the Rule requires of them. The
Franciscan charism in family, in fraternity and in council should be united in vision and ministry –
society. especially after actions and plans are voted on.
Let’s take that concept that we are part of the One final note: As international, national, region-
body of Christ a little further. We might consider al and local fraternities, we are not islands. We are
the Executive Council at each level as Christ’s heart intricately woven together as a magnificent tapestry
– which pumps life-giving blood throughout the that covers the body of Christ around the world
Franciscan body. In order to ensure the health of the – and our councils provide that important thread
heart, the members of the council must be properly that ties us together. We are all ultimately united in
formed (on-going formation) and make certain that Christ through our love and attention to each other.
VOX Franciscana • 23 • SUMMER 2019‘Wells for Africa’ project proceeding
By VIRGINIJA MICKUTE, OFS, and MONIKA MIDVERYTE, OFS
The “Well4Africa” proj- da. This project involves chambers. Phase 3 shall solidarity with the poor,
ect, flowing out of the 3rd three phases. The first phase include extension of water creating “conditions of life
European OFS and YouFra has been completed, includ- line from St. Mary’s primary worthy of people redeemed
Congress in Lithuania last ing excavation and con- tank to Katunguru commu- by Christ“ (Rule 13).
year, is moving ahead in struction of a shallow well, nity village, Allied primary Initially 13 national OFS
various phases in Malawi, construction of a pump school, Katunguru com- fraternities (Belgium, Bos-
Uganda and Zimbabwe. house, election of solar munity marketplace, Bright nia & Herzegovina, Croatia,
Drilling water wells in panel stands and installation Model primary school, Czech Republic, France,
needed areas was meant of a water pump, construc- St. Anne’s staff quarters Hungary, Italy, Lithuania,
to be a special fruit of the tion of 50,000-liter capacity and Kagunga community Poland, Russia, Slovakia,
congress, with over 38,000 water tank at Kihani parish village. The total cost of the Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland,
euros raised at the time. church, trenching and pipe project is around 41,420 eu- United Kingdom and Gibral-
Since then more donations laying from the well up to ros (depending on changing tar) and four national YouFra
brought the total raised so the church tank and further rate of Ugandan shilling). fraternities (Bosnia & Herze-
far to 52,000 euros, with extended to St. Joseph’s pri- The third project is aimed govina, Croatia, Italy, Poland)
work started in two of the mary school and St. Anne’s for Nehumambi village in responded to the call.
countries. secondary school. Phase 2 Zimbabwe. Anyone may follow the
A borehole is already shall involve construction The National Council progress of the projects on-
drilled and operating in of 50,000 liter-water tank at of Lithuania had launched line at well4africa.eu.
Namane community, dio- St. Mary’s primary school, the “Well4Africa” social During its fall session
cese of Blantyre, Malawi. trenching and pipe laying initiative, together with CIOFS Presidency endorsed
Total cost of the project was from the well up to the components of the Euro- continuing the “Well4Africa“
of 8150 euros. primary tank and extension pean Franciscan family, initiative under the responsi-
A more sophisticated of water to two community to respond to the call of bility of Lithuanian National
water supply system is villages of Irwaniro and Pope Francis to ensure the Council, thus becoming an
underway in Kihani parish, Kitambeya, construction human right to drinking ongoing mission of the Secu-
Mbarara archdiocese, Ugan- of tap stands and control water for all and to express lar Franciscan Order.
ABOVE: Enjoying fresh, clean water in Malawi.
RIGHT: Work progresses on a water tank and pump house
in Uganda.
VOX Franciscana • 24 • SUMMER 2019You can also read
