On Sunday, most of the Capitulars transferred to the Seraphicum College in Rome, where they enjoyed a day of rest. Today, Monday, (June 17, 2019) the last day of the Chapter, was dedicated to an audience with Pope Francis.
At 9:00 a.m., His Eminence, Angelo Cardinal COMASTRI, the Vicar General for Vatican City, presided over Mass in the apse at the end of St. Peter’s Basilica. The cardinal mentioned the “Little Testament of Siena” of St. Francis of Assisi, which says how “the friars should always love each other, always love and follow our Lady, Holy Poverty, and always be faithful and submissive to the prelates and all clerics of Holy Mother Church.” The new Government of the Order is called to guide the confreres to love each other and love the Church, so that our charism may be lived ever more deeply.
After the Mass, the Capitulars moved to the Clementine Hall, where at around noon the audience with Pope Francis began. After a salutation from the newly elected Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, the Pope then spoke and invited the friars to live as “brothers and in minority.” St. Francis remains relevant because he put the Gospel at the center of his life. Thus today, as his younger brothers, we must proclaim the Good News with our words and our lives.
After imparting his apostolic blessing, Pope Francis bade the Capitulars farewell and thanked them for their prayers for him and his service.
Friar Aurelio ERCOLI, Chronicler