Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Assisi (Agenzia Fides) - Franciscans, at a special Chapter meeting in Assisi 14 September - 1 October to renew commitment to building communion of prayer and promoting dialogue, took part in a special prayer vigil to pray for fraternal dialogue among religions and for peace in the whole world.
Minister General Fr. José Rodríguez Carballo confirmed commitment on the path of frank and sincere dialogue with Muslims following the example of Saint Francis who went to meet the Sultan at Damietta.
In their special Chapter the Friars intend to rethink the vocation of Franciscans in the world today to renew missionary activity. Speakers at the Chapter have highlighted Franciscan thought with regard to questions posed by men and women of today to offer suitable answers. Some dominant themes of Franciscan philosophy were also re-visited.
Addressing the Chapter the Bishop of Assisi, Bishop Domenico Sorrentino, quoted Pope Benedict XVI in a special letter for the Bishop’s appointment: “Francis is a key to better understand Peter and the Church. God is working to increase the Franciscan proposal in the world”. He recalled that the Pope also stressed the need “not to betray Francis” with a partial reading of his charisma. Referring to the Chapter theme, the Bishop of Assisi quoted his recent pastoral letter “Go Francis and repair my house”, in which he stressed the necessity of conversion of hearts to Jesus Christ, as the point of departure for all decisions and Christian vocations.
The Chapter members are discussing answers to offer modern man to help him to open to the transcendent dimension which finds authentic realisation only in Jesus Christ. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/9/2006 righe 27 parole 273)
