BRUSSELS — In the aftermath of yesterday’s bombings here, Fr. Sabino Iannuzzi, OFM, president of the Union of Friars Minor of Europe, based in Brussels, released the following statement:
“I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49.6)
As we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery, the heart of our faith, the dramatic news that reaches us today from Brussels shows with stark evidence that violence and hatred are still the cause of death and suffering to many innocent people.
On behalf of the friars of UFME, we strongly condemn these criminal acts committed against humanity, and we wish to express the closeness of the Friars Minor of Europe to the entire population of Brussels, ensuring our spiritual closeness and prayers for the victims of attacks and their families.
“If the mystery of evil is unfathomable, then the reality of Love poured out through Him is infinite.” (Pope Francis)
Dismissing the temptation to give in to discouragement, it is necessary to affirm our faith in peace, in goodness and in mercy.
On Easter Sunday we will hear from the voice of the Risen One: “Peace be with you”. This is not a simple wish, but the precious gift that Lord offers to His disciples. Peace is the gift that we want to seek strongly from the Lord — who St. Francis called “our guardian and defender” — for Europe and for the whole world.
The UFME is composed of more than 8,000 friars present in Europe from 25 countries. A complete list, as well as the history of the organization, can be found on UFME.be.
Related Links
- “Franciscan Pray for Peace” — Sept. 11, 2013, HNP Today