From April 23 to 26, 2019, the Conventual Franciscan Provincial Custody of St. Bonaventure in France-Belgium held its annual Custodial meeting at the Saint Anthony of Padua friary in Brussels, Belgium.
The meeting was an opportunity to pray together and reflect upon the “new ecological lifestyle” proposed by Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si’. The concept of “human ecology” mentioned in the papal document was the theme of a lecture presented by Mr. Xavier LAMBARD.
To help them better understand the Pontiff’s message, the friars were shown a film: Pope Francis – Man of the Word (Le Pape François – Un homme de Parole).
Afterwards, there was a meeting of the Custody’s Guardians and Economs. They discussed their latest experiences and plans regarding the fraternal life of the Custody.
Finally, on Thursday, April 25, the friars made a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Banneux (Notre-Dame de Banneux). It was a day of joy and fraternity, especially for the students residing in Padua and Rome who participated.
Friar Piotr SZCZEPAŃSKI