ROME — As Franciscans around the world prepared to celebrate the feast of St. Francis on Oct. 4, General Minister Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, released a letter reflecting on the friars’ connection to the saint.
“As we celebrate the feast of Francis, our holy founder, father, and brother, we continue to feel drawn to him as a person, attracted by his message and how he lived it,” wrote Fr. Michael in his September. 28 message. “Through his radical gospel life, his personal authenticity, and his courteous, fraternal connection with every being that surrounded him, St. Francis is an inspiration to humanity, evoking a deep bond of love and respect with the Church, with society and the whole of creation.”
The General Minister reminded the friars that in today’s world, they are called to go out into the world today sharing Francis’s message of love and forgiveness.
“Francis, he was a man who listened, always attentive to the voices of God and of other people; he was open to an encounter with all those who surrounded him; he welcomed everyone, especially the poor and needy; he was totally committed to the reality in which he found himself, in circumstances torn apart by violence and exclusion,” wrote Fr. Michael.
He added, “By his example and intercession, may Francis, our seraphic father and brother, help us to work with all those who believe in creativity and solidarity, building with them a more humane, fraternal, kindly and joyful society.” The full text of his letter may be found on the Order’s website.
Other news from the Order, as communicated on its website and in the October issue of Fraternitas newsletter, includes:
- Suggestions of ways to help the friars serving in Syria
- A summary of the August meeting of the administrations of the seven U.S. OFM provinces
- The visit of Pope Francis to Assisi for the World Day of Prayer for Peace
- Eighth centenary of the Pardon of Assisi (Portiuncula Indulgence)
- General Minister’s visits to Haiti and Puerto Rico
- A summary of the recent 2016 Franciscan Mega-Conference for Vocations hosted by the OFM English-speaking Conference at St. Anthony Friary in St. Petersburg, Fla.
- An exhibit of Franciscan treasures on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City
Information about the Order can be found on the Ordo Fratrum Minorum Facebook page.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.
Related Links
- “Franciscans Send Message of Solidarity to Italy Earthquake Victims” – Sept. 6, 2016, HNP Today