ROME — Last month, on the feast of Blessed John Duns Scotus, the Antonianum Pontifical University held an academic event to honor this Franciscan doctor.
Tobias Hoffman, a professor of philosophy at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., was the special guest at the Nov. 8 event, according to the December 2011 issue of Fraternitas. He gave a lecture titled “Rethinking Freedom: The Contribution of Duns Scotus.”
The gathering included a message by Fr. Jose Rodriguez Carballo, OFM, General Minister and Great Chancellor, on “Blessed John Duns Scotus, Doctor Subtillis et Practicus, Cantor of the Infinite” which was read by the Fr. Vidal Rodriguez Lopez, OFM, the Order’s secretary general for formation and studies.
The monthly publication of the Order of Friars Minor also announced a website offering information about the 2012 Chapter of Mats for friars professed less than 10 years. The event is being held in Mexico from June 2 to 10 next year. Information is also available from the preparatory committee. Questions can be emailed to underten2012@ofm.org.
The OFM’s current newsletter also reports on:
• December schedule of the General Minister, including the Dec. 9 inauguration of an exhibition of St. Francis in Paderborn, Germany
• Meeting of the new permanent council of the Union of Friars Minor in Europe
• New provincial minister in Chile
• Symposium on Oct. 26 in Poland titled “Pilgrims of Truth and Pilgrims of Peace” where Christians, Jews and
Muslims prayed together for peace and justice
• Descriptions of four books, as well as a CD by a French friar
Information about the Order is provided in three languages on its website.
— Compiled by Jocelyn Thomas