General Curia’s October Update

Maria Hayes Franciscan World

ROME — Only following in the footprints of Jesus Christ can make us friars and minors. There is no other way.

This is the message sent by the General Definitory to the Order about the feast of St. Francis. The letter, signed by General Minister Fr. Michael Perry and his eight General Councilors, calls the friars back to the roots of their faith, urging them always to look to the Gospel.

“St. Francis was pure openness to the Gospel and lived the primacy of God and life with his heart, mind and body turned, essentially, to the Gospel,” wrote the Definitory. “He is, therefore, considered to be the Poverello and the brother of all. If we also wish to be true friars and authentic minors today, we are called to pass from appearances and efficiency to pure and simple evangelical transparency.”

An excerpt of the Definitory’s letter was included in the October issue of Fraternitas, the Order’s monthly newsletter. The issue also highlights a recent visit of the Definitory and the European friars in temporary vows to Taizé, France, where they spent time in conversation and reflection.

Additional news from the Order includes:

  • The annual meeting of the English-speaking Conference Communicators, held this year in Rome. A full report is included in an Oct. 3 HNP Today article.
  • The appointment of Fr. Sergiusz Baldyga, OFM, of the Polish Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary as vice secretary of the General Chapter in 2015.
  • The episcopal ordinations of Fr. Tadeusz Kusy, OFM, as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Kaga-Bandoro in the Central-African Republic and Fr. Joseph Ha Chi-Shing, OFM, as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong.
  • The nomination of General Minister Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, by Pope Francis as a member of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The office is responsible for missionary activity, directing and coordinating evangelization work.
  • The names of new provincial ministers throughout the world, including Kevin Mullen, OFM, who was elected in June 

— Compiled by Maria Hayes