ROME — A 15th century member of the Poor Clares will become a saint on Oct. 17 when Pope Benedict XVI presides over the canonization of Camilla da Varano, who joined the Franciscan Order in 1481 as Sr. Battista. General Minister Fr. Jose Rodriguez Carballo, OFM, will be the concelebrant.
News of the canonization was reported in the October issue of Fraternitas, the newsletter of the General Curia. Sr. Battista was said to shed a tear for the love of Christ every day. A logo of the nun shows tears, a cross depicting her piety, a lily for her love of Jesus, and a book recalling her writings as a humanist. The logo also says “Walk, Run and Fly on the Path of God,” which refers to her writings and the mystical aspect of her Christian experience.
In other news from Fraternitas:
• The Foundation of Haiti, which consists of 10 friars and 11 formants, expressed its thanks for the outpouring of help it received after the January earthquake. All the help has allowed the friars to minister to those in need, especially in building a house for orphaned children. The foundation met in August in a convent that survived the earthquake to reflect on its mission and offer its thanks.
• Fr. Jose visited the friars in Paraguay in August. Also attending was the provincial minister of Aranzazu, Spain. They discussed the life and mission of the friars, as well as ways to collaborate. In October, the general minister met with the Franciscans in Assisi and celebrated the Transitus.
• Eight general visitors have been named. They include: Br. Emilio Rocha Grande, OFM, of St. Gregory the Great Province in Spain, who will visit Cartagena, Spain. The list of general visitors is provided in the newsletter.
• Pope Benedict XVI issued a message for the 26th World Youth Day, scheduled for Aug. 15 to 21, 2011, in Madrid.
News about the Order of Friars Minor is posted in three languages on its website.
— Compiled by Wendy Healy