On Thursday the 24th October, the completion of the structural renovation of the friary and church of St. Francis in Zagreb, severely damaged by the earthquake that struck the city on the morning of Sunday, the 22nd Marc, 2020, was celebrated. On this occasion, the Minister General, Br. Massimo Fusarelli visited the friars at the principal friary of the Franciscan Province of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Croatia.
The celebration began with a meeting between the Minister General and the friars of the Province, during which experiences and opinions on coexistence, mission and challenges were exchanged. Br. Massimo encouraged the friars to keep alive the spirit of prayer and prayer taught by St. Francis, despite their pastoral commitments. In addition, the restructuring process was also discussed, in which next year the Franciscan Province of St. Jerome in Dalmatia and Istria will become a Custody dependent on the Franciscan Province of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Croatia.
The culminating moment of the day was the solemn Eucharistic celebration in the newly renovated church, presided over by the Minister General and concelebrated by numerous Provincial Ministers of the various Franciscan obediences, friars of the General Curia of the Order and other priests. The Mass was also attended by representatives of State and City Authorities, as well as many other faithful.
Before the beginning of the Eucharistic celebration, the Minister Provincial Br. Milan Krišto welcomed those present and the Minister General donated to the convent the relic of St. Francis and the relic of the martyrs of Damascus, canonized a few days ago, on Sunday, the 20th October.
In his homily, Br. Massimo, referring to the 800th anniversary of the Stigmata of St. Francis, emphasized the depth of the saint's life, comparing it to the burning flame of Christ's love. In addition, he hoped that the restored church and convent would inspire a renewed fervour and love for Christ. After the Eucharistic celebration, the rite of blessing of the friary took place, followed by a community meal.
Let us recall that during the extensive research of the conservators, tombs were found in all the altar niches on the north and south sides of the western part of the church, which were documented and exhumed, and which bring new information about the previous history of Zagreb, i.e. the possibility that the first cathedral in Zagreb was located on the site of today's Franciscan church.
Br. Mario Zubak OFM
