On 15th January 2024 the Fraternity of St. Mary in Draperis- Istanbul celebrates twenty years of its presence in Turkey. In the letter which the Minister General Br. Massimo Fusarelli addressed to the friars, he remembered the origins, the past and future challenges which the Order and the Church face daily in a country that is “ a bridge between the Middle East and West.”
“On the 15th of January 2004 the Fraternity of St. Mary in Draperis - Istanbul was instituted as a Guardianate, writes the Minister General. It is dedicated for the growth and maturation of our presence as Friars Minor in that country through dilogue and support to the Local Church, service to the immigrants, prisoners and the needy […] The General Definitory continues discerning with you on this presence so as to ensure possibility of attaining good quality of life and mission”.
Read the full text of the Letter
Photo:
Br. GwenoléJ eusset (one of the pioneers of the community dedicated to service in dialogue)
Br. John Wong (General Delegate for the Guardianate of Istanbul)
Br. Eleuthère Baharanyi Makuta (The Guardian)
