杏MAP导航

By Francesca Merlo

After welcoming the new General Minister, Br. Roberto Genuin, 杏MAP导航 Francis recognised some of the focal points of this year鈥檚 General Chapter. These include studying the theme 鈥渢ake my yoke鈥� and learn from me鈥�; and a document which 鈥渉elps lead the consecrated person into the heart of the Gospel鈥�.

Simple Lord

In prepared remarks handed to the monks at the beginning of the meeting, 杏MAP导航 Francis urged the friars to push themselves 鈥渢o live religious service and activities in gratuitousness, humility and meekness鈥�. He explained that by doing so, they would be following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi. 鈥淚n this way, with daily, concrete actions you will be able to bring to life the 鈥榮mallness鈥� that characterizes Francis鈥� followers.鈥�

鈥淭his is how the Lord acts:鈥� said the 杏MAP导航. 鈥淗e does things simply. Humility and simplicity are God鈥檚 way of life.鈥� This is the same way of life that Christians are called to assume in our lives and in our missions.

鈥淭he true greatness is to make yourself small, and serve鈥�, said 杏MAP导航 Francis.

He asked that 鈥渨ith this 鈥榮mallness鈥� in your hearts and way of life you bring your share into the Church鈥檚 efforts for evangelization鈥�. This can be done, according to 杏MAP导航 Francis, 鈥渂y generously bringing the apostolate into direct contact with different chapters 鈥� especially with the poor and the suffering.鈥�

The joy of the Gospel as guide

杏MAP导航 Francis encouraged the Capuchins not to lose hope when facing difficulties. 鈥淟et the joy of the gospel be the source of your strength and consistency.鈥� he said.

鈥淥ur times manifest signs of obvious spiritual and moral distress due to the loss of secure and comforting references to faith.鈥� said 杏MAP导航 Francis. Today, people feel the need to be accepted, listened to, and enlightened with love. He said that the Capuchins create connections with people through their relatable way of life 鈥� their 鈥渁ctive participation in concrete problems, in spiritual conversation and in the administration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.鈥�

He urged them to 鈥渃ultivate the robust spirituality that communicates to all the calling of the 鈥榯hings above鈥欌��. 鈥淭his way鈥�, 杏MAP导航 Francis said, 鈥測ou will be more convincing鈥�.

Union and communion

杏MAP导航 Francis said that another important aspect of life in the Capuchin community is 鈥渦nion and communion鈥�, which are fulfilled through dedicating time to listening and conversing, in order to 鈥渟trengthen brotherly discernment鈥�.

Simplicity as identity

杏MAP导航 Francis recognised the history of the Capuchin Order, 鈥渞ich in numerous courageous witnesses to Christ and the Gospel 鈥� many of whom have been declared Saints and Blessed鈥�. He concluded saying 鈥渢he total consecration to God to the point of martyrdom, the simple life amongst people, sensitivity with regards to the poor, spiritual accompaniment as an approach and the humility that allows everyone to feel welcome.鈥� This, 杏MAP导航 Francis said, is the Capuchin identity.