ROME — Fr. Julio César Bunader, OFM, was introduced as the new General Vicar of the Order in the latest issue of Fraternitas. Fr. Julio, of the Province of the Rio de la Plata, Argentina, was serving on the General Definitorium representing Latin America when he was elected in July.
The issue also includes excerpts of two letters from General Minister Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, that recognize the feasts of St. Clare and St. Beatrice.
“Listen, understand and take charge of both this society and history, which is moving so fast, and discern with spiritual understanding what is essential and what, in fidelity to the Spirit, is to be reconsidered,” wrote Fr. Michael in the letter regarding the feast of St. Clare. “This is for us today a challenge we cannot ignore. It is the very meaning of our existence as Friars Minor and Poor Sisters. Can we remain indifferent in the face of the violence and hatred that fuel wars, the many forms of poverty, exploitation of creation, the economic crisis that threatens to make us lose sight that the human person is more important than money and business, of the many youth deprived of the future and often also of hope, and to the many people reduced to slavery, robbing them of their dignity?”
Fr. Michael’s August and September agenda includes a visit to Assisi for the feast of the Pardon, meetings in the United States, a celebration of 250 years of Franciscan presence in the Ukraine, and a visit to India.
The monthly newsletter also reports information about:
• The new provincial ministers of St. Elizabeth Province, Germany, the Province of Christ the King, Canada, and the Custody of St. Anthony of Padua, Philippines
• Visits conducted by the General Minister to various communities in Poland
• The creation of the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem, the only museum on the roots of Christianity and the preservation of holy places, by the Custody of the Holy Land
— Compiled by Maria Hayes