To all the Friars Minor of the Order
To the Contemplative Sisters of the Franciscan Family
To the TOR Sisters, and our sisters and brothers attached to the Order
Rome, November 29th, 2023
8th Centenary of the approval of the Regola bollata
"This is the day the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad!
For the most holy beloved child was given to us, and was born for us along the way,
and placed in a manger since there was no room in the inn"
(Office of the Passion XV, 6-7)
These are the words used by St Francis when he prayed with his brothers on Christmas Day.
During this Advent and Christmas 2023, I wish to do the same with you, dear Brothers and Sisters, in a world marred by darkness and the lightning flashes of war and violence. We think especially of the Holy Land where the Lord desired to be born poor and die poor, and where his agony still continues.
The above psalm, composed by Francis, begins with an invitation to joy, something that seems more difficult than ever today. Indeed, how can we be happy in the midst of so many signs of death and in the face of such an uncertain future? Do we even have the right to joy when so many are deprived of peace, and of life itself?
At this time, then, how can we experience and proclaim the joy of Advent and Christmas?
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