by Fr. Robert Abbatiello
Peace and all good things to you. I write this welcome to the latest edition of The Capuchin Journey while attending our general chapter in Rome.
Many of you already know that every three years, the friars of the Province of St. Mary gather for a provincial chapter. During the four or five days that we are together, we discuss the life of the Province, our ministries, and the spiritual, physical and emotional well-being of the friars. We also listen to reports on vocations and formation, finances, and property. We also elect our provincial minister and provincial council to lead and guide us for the next three years
Every six years, all the provinces of the Capuchin Order send their provincial ministers and delegates to Rome for a general chapter. For three weeks, they discuss the status of the entire Order. They hear various reports on the life and work of the Order. They elect our general minister and general council to govern the Order for the next six years.
It is a wonderful experience to be with brothers from all over the world, in one place, at one time. It is so easy for us to adopt a provincial mindset that we can forget that the Capuchin Order is represented throughout the world. We are 9,684 members worldwide—certainly representing many territories, cultures and languages—but we are only one Capuchin Order. I think of Saint Paul’s analogy in his first letter to the Corinthians, comparing the Church and her members to the human body: we are many parts, but only one body.
In the course of the general chapter, we had the great and joyous privilege of meeting with our Holy Father, Pope Francis. We greeted him with a thunderous applause at which he smiled and acknowledged our joyful gathering. (I think he has a soft spot for us Capuchins!) Prior to greeting each one of us individually, the Holy Father shared a brief reflection with us. He recalled three dimensions of our Franciscan spirituality, which he asked us to consider while gathered for the General Chapter. These are fraternity, availability, and commitment to peace.
Pope Francis reminded us to make fraternity our priority and to promote it in all our friaries. He affirmed our availability, and he exhorted us, saying, “Try always to be simple, free and available, ready to leave everything behind and to go wherever the Lord calls you, without seeking recognition or making demands, with open hearts and arms.” He also affirmed our commitment to peace, saying, “Your ability to draw near to all, so as to merit being called the ‘friars of the people,’ has made you, over the centuries, expert ‘peacemakers’ capable of creating opportunities for encounter.” It sure was a great blessing to be with the friars together with the Holy Father.
My brothers and sisters, your support of our friars and our ministries; your prayers for us … and for new vocations; and your friendship and confidence in us allow us to live our Franciscan charisms—not just in word but, more importantly, in action! May I thank you for your devotion and continued trust in us? It sure makes a difference in the lives of our friars each and every day. It’s no wonder that the brothers regularly pray in thanksgiving for our benefactors like you! May God bless and keep you!