DOMUS PACIS, ASSISI - The first full day of the General Chapter 2015 began with the joyous noise of the ringing of the church bells of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. The friars gathered from around the world were ready to settle into the rhythm of the month-long meeting and did so by beginning with prayer.

One-by-one, and then in groups of several, the friars gradually made their way from the Domus Pacis Conference Center into the piazza of the Basilica where the first movement of prayer began the day. The 170 friars gathered before the main doors of the Church to sing, to hear about the gathering of the early friars from the writings of Thomas of Celano and at last to process into the great basilica two-by-two towards Il Poverello's own beloved chapel of the Portiuncula. 

The General Minister and Papal Delegate Cardinal Errázuriz Ossa in front of the Basilica with the friars

Friars ready to lead the procession into the Basilica

There in front of the beautiful little stone chapel surrounded by the great majestic basilica, they were greeted by General Minister Michael A. Perry, OFM, holding the Book of the Gospels. Each friar approached and venerated the holy words of Christ contained there before making their way into the Portiuncula for a brief, silent prayer.

The procession begins

"The Rule and Life of the Friars Minor is this: to follow the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ."

In his homily, the General Minister challenged the friars present. He said:

"My Brothers, during this General Chapter, we are called, indeed challenged, to seek the truth with love and compassion. We are challenged to examine our lives, the quality of our commitment to live in radical dependence on God and radical interdependence with one another in the fraternity of faith-filled disciples. We are challenged not to be satisfied with the 'status quo' in the life of the Order but, like the apostle Thomas, to probe the wounds of Christ, the wounds inflicted by a lack of trust, respect, open communication, honest dialogue, zeal, unconditional faith, economic transparency and all other wounds...But we must let go of all that is not of God, all that distracts us, all that causes fear, anger or any other feelings that keep us from allowing God to instruct and guide us during these days of Chapter. Perhaps what we need at this Chapter is a spiritual Tsunami that will enable us to arrive where the Spirit might be leading us." 

FULL HOMILY CAN BE READ HERE

The General Minister presiding at the Opening Mass

Following the Mass, in the Chapter Hall at Domus Pacis, the General Minister officially declared the Chapter of 2015 open. The Cardinal also extended the greetings of Pope Francis as well as his own personal remarks to the Capitulars. Provincial Minister of Assisi, Fr. Claudio Durighetto also offered a greeting and welcome to the friars.

After the greetings, the day was dedicated to a spirit of reflection and prayer. The friars received some words of reflection from Fr.  Mauro Jöhri, OFM Cap., the General Minister of the Capuchin Order. In his reflection, Fr. Mauro said:

" Being a Friar Minor today means embarking on a project which, in communion with the Church, calls for a transformation of certain realities that touch the heart. We cannot simply call ourselves brothers without giving priority to fraternal life among us! I think it is equally important to affirm and commit ourselves to making our world a more fraternal world. There should be no parish, no ministry, no school, no reality entrusted to us, where we do not promote the cooperation and involvement of all. Being Friars means we must everywhere and always live in such a way that the world around us is invited to a similar fraternal style of life. This is a big task. Someone once said that there were three ideals on which the French Revolution was built. These were freedom, equality, and the one that is often forgotten brotherhood!"

The afternoon was devoted to a prayerful reading of the Word, and time for quiet prayer and reflection.

Group photo in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli

LIGHT MOMENTS WHILE ORGANIZING THE GROUP PHOTO:

 

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