The Minister General Visits the Friars of Papua New Guinea

The Minister General, Br. Michael Perry, OFM together with the Definitor General for Asia, Australia and Oceania, Br. Greg Redoblado, OFM, visited the friars of the Custody of St Francis of Assisi in Papua New Guinea (PNG) from Feb 5-14, 2016. They were welcomed with a traditional indigenous music and dance by the Secular Franciscans (OFS) and the friars of PNG led by the Custos, Br. Gianni Gattei, OFM. The highlight of the visit was a two-day encounter of prayer, reflection and dialogue with all the friars of the Custody in preparation for their Custodial Chapter on Feb 15-19. A total of 35 friars including the novices came for the said encounter. Also present during the Visit were the Delegate General for the Custody, Br. Boby Vadakkal, OFM and the Custos of the Custody of the Herald of Peace, West Papua, Br. Gonsa Saur, OFM. The Minister General also met Bishop Otto Separy of Aitape, the Papal Nuntio, Archbishop Michael Balaczs, the Poor Clares and other members of the Franciscan family. The friars of Papua New Guinea was last visited by a Minister General 14 years ago in 2002 by the late +Br. Giacomo Bini, OFM. [gallery link="file" ids="10411,10409,10405,10403,10410,10406,10407,10404,10408"]