Rome, September 29, 2025
The recent Ordinary General Chapter invited us to face the present time firmly grounded in the theological virtue of hope; hope that “comes from the risen Crucified One and makes us men capable of the future”; hope that invites us “to look beyond, to not be overcome by weariness or defeated by the difficulties of the present” (cf. A Letter to All the Friars of the Order at the Conclusion of the 203rd General Chapter, dated June 21, 2025).
On this feast of St. Francis, as we prepare to celebrate the 800th anniversary of his transitus into the heavenly homeland, we certainly want to look beyond and live in a way that is truly alternative to the dominant culture of our day, a culture often far removed from humanizing and Gospel values. In this jubilee atmosphere, we wish to renew and revitalize all that characterizes us as Conventual Franciscans!
When we look at the historical developments of our time, we quickly feel disheartened: we realize that we often repeat the same mistakes—and even the same horrors—we once thought were behind us. Wars, domination, manipulation, marginalization, racism, abuses of all kinds, persecution, murder, ethnic cleansing, and similar situations sadly continue to plague the world.
At this historical and social crossroads, we who are called to follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, want to be simple, humble and credible signs of a peaceful and fraternal way of life.
Given such a vocation, it would be inauthentic and frustrating to live in mediocrity or passivity. Living the radical call of the Gospel in fraternity is our unique gift—our Conventual way of life. This includes putting God first, both personally and as a community; living with compassion and love; understanding mission as service (diakonia) to the world; choosing a peaceful life in line with the Gospel beatitudes; adopting a contemplative spirit; and relating to creation in a redeemed and respectful way. All of this defines our identity.”
Faced with persistent—or new—temptations of evil, we choose to live in cleanness of heart (cf. Mt 5:8) and in the original beauty imprinted on us and in the work of God’s hands.
We ask the help of the Most High to overcome every temptation or disappointment, and to live spiritually as true believers: avoiding arguments or disputes, willingly being subject to every human creature for God’s sake, confessing we are Christians, and proclaiming the Word of God (cf. Earlier Rule, Chapter XVI).
By continually deepening our understanding of our charism, and remaining faithful to it, we will be filled with new hope and become the very signs the world needs—relevant, attractive, and forward-looking.”
Happy Feast of St. Francis!
Minister General
Дивіться ще
The Phenomenon That Is the Servant of God Wenanty Katarzyniec
Film “Parola di Tommaso” Given Presentation in the Senate of the Republic
Friar Carlos Trovarelli announces the 800ᵗʰ Anniversary of the Easter of St. Francis in Assisi