From September 25 to October 1, Br Massimo Fusarelli, accompanied by Definator General Br Joaquin Echeverry, visited the Province of Saint Francis and Saint James in Mexico. They spent these days in three different areas, Zapopan, Guadalupe Zacatecas and Monterrey, where they visited the friars, the formation houses, some shrines, and some other places where the friars are dedicated to service and evangelization.
The theme of the visit was, “Brothers in minority, be not afraid to go out.” The Minister General was following up on the 2021 General Chapter’s invitation to leave what is comfortable with a renewed call to mission, as we strive to think more about the needs of the Order than just our local Province. The visit had a wonderfully fraternal feel to it as the friars warmly welcomed Br Massimo and Br Joaquin, who also had an opportunity to greet the Poor Clare Sisters, and the Secular Franciscans, as well as many friends and collaborators who assist the friars in their service to God’s people and fill their lives with joy. The visit to the center of migrants in Monterrey by the Definitor General marked the last stage of this trip and left the door open to further conversation around the important topic of ministering to migrants and striving for peace, especially when confronted with violence.
