Order Update: Commemoration of 800th Anniversary of Pardon of Assisi Concludes

Maria Hayes Franciscan World

The following descriptions summarize recent news from the Order of Friars Minor. Additional details can be found by visiting the links to the news items mentioned. Follow the Order of Friars Minor on Facebook and Twitter for information throughout the month.

► The conclusion of the year-long commemorations of the 800th anniversary of the Pardon of Assisi took place on Aug. 2 during a liturgy celebrated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state for the Vatican. The week before the liturgy, the Triduum of Preparation was held from July 29 to 31 and preached by the general ministers of the three Franciscan Orders (the Capuchins were represented by their General Vicar). A full report and photos from the day’s events were posted on the Order’s website.

► The Fifth JPIC Continental Meeting of the Americas was held from Sept. 1 to 8 in Anápolis, Brazil. This year’s theme was “The Cry of the Earth, the Cries of the Poor in JPIC Dimension.” Roughly 40 participants — including friars and other members of the Franciscan family — took part. The purpose of the meeting was to continue the commitments of the guidelines decided in the previous meeting, held in 2014 in Bogotá, as well as to show the priorities issued by the International JPIC Council 2016: namely migration, mining and new lifestyle.

► Last year, a Franciscan friar was present when the marble slab which covers what is believed to be the burial place of Jesus was removed. It was only the second time since 1555 – and the first time since 1809 – that this sacred space for Christians was visible. Fr. Eugenio Alliata, OFM, an archeologist and professor, and member of the Custody of the Holy Land, shared what he learned from the experience in an article titled “What More Do We Know About the Tomb of Jesus Since It Was Opened?”

► The “Legend of St. Francis” is a cycle of frescoes painted by Giotto di Bondone between 1290 and 1295. An exhibition of the frescos is on display through October at St. Saviour Monastery in Jerusalem.

► The Higher Institute of Religious Science of the Pontifical University Antonianum is offering a class titled “Goods and Minority: Legal, Fiscal and Managerial Profiles of Church Entities and the Third Sector.” This course is aimed at managers and bursars of ecclesiastical bodies; collaborators, business consultants and managers of businesses that work with the third sector and are engaged in the field of business ethics; young graduates; and nonprofit organizations. Enrollment information is available on the Order’s website.

— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.

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