From the 15th-20th September, the friars of the St. Francis of Assisi Foundation in Russia met in the friary of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Novosibirsk for their annual Spiritual Exercises, preached by Fr. Alfredo Fecondo (F.S.C.B.). During the Exercises the friars reflected and prayed about the themes found in the Canticle of Brother Sun.
The Spiritual Exercises were truly a time of grace: the preaching was rich and engaging and will certainly bear much fruit in each of the friars.
In addition, during this week, celebrating the Feast of the Sacred Stigmata of St. Francis, on the 17th September, the friars of the Foundation welcomed a "stone", authenticated by the local bishop and set in a wooden cross, donated by the Guardian and the Fraternity of the Sanctuary of Monte della Verna: so that the presence of this relic in our midst. May the prayer and intercession of St. Francis sustain us on the journey and bring peace to hearts and to the whole world!
The St. Francis of Assisi Foundation in Russia reports directly to the Minister General and is currently composed of six friars: two Russians, three Italians and a Vietnamese. Let us pray that the Lord will give new local vocations and see the arrival of missionary friars from other Entities of the Order.
