From June 25th to July 1st, 2023, Fr. Massimo Fusarelli, the Minister General, visited the Province of Santa Barbara in the United States, from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, from Oceanside to San Diego in California. Accompanied by the General Definitor, Fr. Jimmy Zammit, the Minister had the opportunity to meet the friars, the Poor Clares, and various members of the Franciscan family.
A particularly meaningful moment was the First Profession of two novices in the Old Mission of Santa Barbara. It was at that location that the Minister also prayed at the tomb of Bro John Vaughn, who was Minister General from 1979 to 1991.
This was followed by a meeting with the commission for Franciscan Intellectual Tradition and with The Franciscan School of Theology in San Diego, an important facility for dialogue and sharing. Fr. Massimo also visited the Saint Anthony Foundation in San Francisco. This ministry provides service to the poor, homeless, and migrants, with active involvement of friars, employees and a corps of volunteers. This offers a very important witness in a society that is so wealthy and opulent.
During the meeting with the friars, Fr. Massimo and Fr. Jimmy were able to address topics and issues related to the establishment of the new Province "Our Lady of Guadalupe" in the USA. There was also a chance to meet with some of the vocation animators in the country who are committed to being a sign of challenge and hope to many young Americans.
Fr. Massimo encountered a vibrant reality, not paralyzed by difficulties encountered, but motivated to bear witness to the Gospel in a complex and multicultural society.
