OAKLAND, Calif. —The St. Barbara Province here is looking back on several significant Franciscan anniversaries, reporting in its publications about the 800th anniversary of the Order and the 25th year of the “Africa Project.”
The May/June issue of its magazine, The Way of St. Francis, highlighted the 800-year history of the Franciscan Order with an article “800 Years of Mission: A Conversation with Brother John Summers.” Interviewed by Sharon Melberg, this article covers the basic question: “As we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Franciscans, what would you really like people to know about the Franciscan history of mission?”
Br. John discusses the movement of friars across both political and symbolic borders, as well as some of the more humorous moments in the Franciscan tradition of missions.
Also discussed in the bi-monthly magazine is the 25th anniversary of the “Africa Project,” or “Call to Africa,” which was the first time a diverse group of friars from a variety of provinces worked together. The article includes reflections by Larry Dunphy, OFM, on receiving his “call to Africa.”
The magazine also includes articles on stained glass windows in Whiteriver, Ariz., and a reflection on health and spirituality.
Its newsletter, WestFriars, featured a letter from Finian McGinn, OFM, general councilor of the English-speaking Conference. His letter discussed the upcoming Chapter, which is taking place this month in Assisi.
The newsletter also included updates from several Province friars, and a history of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, a Phoenix community celebrating its 175th anniversary.