With much gratitude and a bit of emotion we are introducing Communion and Communication No. 65. It’s the last step of the journey following the directions given by St Francis to the Poor Clares in the Words of Exhortation, Audite, poverelle - Listen, Little Poor Ones. We are doing this precisely in the chronological time that marks the 800th anniversary of its composition. We can recognise in this coincidence a kairós, an opportunity to further increase ‘the understanding of the greatness and the relevance of our Franciscan-Clarian spirituality’, that [the Audite poverelle] ever urges forward in our living of it’, as br. Fábio, General Delegate Pro Monialibus, notes in his introductory letter. A special thanks to him, for offering us in each issue a commentary on Francis’ words contextualised in today’s ecclesial events and the world reality of our communities.
On the theme of sickness and sharing in the glory of the Virgin Mother Mary, which opens up for those who “bear in peace” the labours and tribulations that come with sickness, we are helped to reflect by the testimonies that have arrived from Verona (Italy), Thu Duc (Vietnam), Alexandria (USA), Mairena del Aljarafe and Hinojosa del Duque (Spain). The latter are offered by the Sisters of the Order of the Immaculate Conception (Conceptionists), who are spiritually linked to the Order of Friars Minor and accompanied by the Office Pro Monialibus of the OFM General Curia. You are again welcome, Sisters, to the pages of Communion and Communication, after several years of absence!
From Borgo Valsugana (Italy) and from Mbarara (Uganda) we receive news that make the link between the present and the roots of the foundation of the monastery, highlighting the profile of Sisters who have determined a history of holiness, centuries or decades long, and who in various ways question and stimulate our response today.
This is followed by the second and final part of the reflection of Sr. Frances Teresa (Hollington, Great Britain), who has given and continues to give us the opportunity to look at and listen to the event of the stigmatisation of St Francis with the heart of St Clare, prolonging the grace which the Stigmata Centenary of 2024 has given us.
The section ‘We have received’, in the same spirit, gives us also news of a valuable volume on St Francis Stigmatised.
More, it presents the collection of works of St Camilla Battista da Varano published on the occasion of the fifth centenary of her death (1524-2024).
This issue is concluded with the communications of the results of the Federal Elective Assemblies of some Federations.
The next one will open with testimonies of experiences and reflections around the Canticle of Creatures, whose 8th centenary we are also celebrating. We encourage all of you to send us your contributions on this topic.
Happy reading!
The editorial team
Download PDF cTc N. 65: Italiano - English - Español - Français - Português
