The following descriptions summarize recent news from the Order of Friars Minor. Additional details can be found by visiting the links to the news items mentioned as well as by following the Order of Friars Minor on Facebook and Twitter for information throughout the month.
► Fr. Roberto Genuin, OFM Cap., was elected General Minister of the Capuchin Order on Sept. 3. Born in 1961 in the Italian region of Veneto, he entered the seminary at 11 years old, professing first vows on Oct. 3, 1980 and solemn vows on June 30, 1985. While a member of the Order’s Pontificial Antonianum in Rome from 1991 to 1996, he completed his doctorate in utroque iureat at the Pontifical Lateran University.
► The September Tempo Forte began on Sept. 10. The General Definitory, or council, discussed the final document of the 2018 Plenary Council, which is in its final phase and is being translated into the official languages of the Order. On Sept. 16 and 17, the Definitory memers went to the Sanctuary of La Verna to take part in the celebration of the feast of the Stigmata. On Sept. 18, General Minister Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, took part in the Chapter of Mats that brought together three Italian provinces in Baronissi (Salerno). The Definitory also appointed several General Visitors, including Br. Stephen O’Kane, OFM, for Holy Name Province. The full meeting summary is available on the Order’s website.
► The General Minister released his annual letter to the friars on the feast of St. Francis. The theme of the letter is “Walking the Road with Young People.” On Sept. 29, the friars in the General Curia celebrated the feast of the Archangel, the General Minister’s feast day.
► In Cuba, three friars arrived in Havana on May 15 to form a new international fraternity at Holy Cross Parish. In addition to offering support to the Cuban members of the Custody of St. Mary of Hope, the friars will explore possible future presences and ministries. Friars who are interested in being part of the initiative are invited to visit and discern with the community for three months before making a final decision.
► Seventy formators of provinces from Western Europe and the Holy Land gathered in Milan from Sept. 23 to 29 for their fourth Continental Congress. After a week of work, the group produced a final document that gives practical indications for their future ministry.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.
Related Links
- “2018 Snapshot of Order of Friars Minor” – Sept. 5, 2018, HNP Today
- “St. Barbara Province Celebrates Solemn Profession, Other ESC News” – Sept. 19, 2018, HNP Today