Rome, December 8, 2024
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Queen of the Order
It has been nearly three and a half years since the General Chapter of 2021, so I thought it was an appropriate time to offer the brothers of the Order a look at our situation today. Though I have been entrusted with service until Pentecost of 2027, I thought I would take on this challenging task now because I feel it is good for the brothers to reflect together on how we are doing, how we are listening as a brotherhood in the world, as the General Definitory offers a ministry of animation from the Curia, trying to implement and develop the tasks that the General Chapter has entrusted to us.
It was a blessing to peacefully reread the Pentecost Letter of 2000, The Order Today, written by Br. Giacomo Bini, the Minister General at the time, as it still feels timely even today. Now, I find myself wondering, after listening to so many of you, where we are today and what is there that is still needed for us to accomplish.
First of all, I give thanks to the Most High good Lord for all of you, dear brothers, for the good you are doing that sometimes goes unseen and is under-appreciated. I am so grateful for the perseverance I have seen in our elderly brothers, for the enthusiasm of the younger brothers, for the zeal to begin again even among our more mature friars, for the battles that many of you have fought to remain faithful, and for the great work so many of you are doing in caring for the poor. I am also grateful for the “synodal” journey we have been on in the Order thanks to the many Chapters of Mats that took place in our Entities throughout the world, a journey that will reach completion at the International Chapter of Mats and Plenary Council taking place at the Portiuncola June 1-8, 2025. We listened well to the laity and to our sister Franciscans for what the Spirit wants to say to us through them in these gatherings which have already borne much fruit and will continue to do so.
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