It is now a well-established tradition for friars working abroad who belong to the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania, to meet together around December 1. This year, thirty-nine friars working in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain participated. The meeting was held November 25-27, 2024, in Camposampiero, Italy.
For the most part, the meeting program followed the same format from previous years: common prayer, Mass, a visit to an interesting tourist spot, a meeting with the Minister Provincial, Friar Damian-Gheorghe PĂTRAȘCU and a fraternal evening.
During Mass, Friar Damian-Gheorghe gave a homily in which he commented on the Book of Revelation: “Hell is that place where people can no longer find their way to each other.” Despite some rather gloomy and overcast weather, the friars visited the “Cittadella,” a medieval town surrounded by walls giving witness to historical events long past.
Since the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi went to work and managed to surprise the friars with a specifically Romanian menu. In addition, the meeting featured the welcome presence of the Provincial Superior, Sister Bernaveta CIOBANU.
In light of the 2025 jubilee year, it was decided to conduct next year’s meeting at the Seraphicum College in Rome. Interested friars are invited to register by December 15, 2024.
Thanks to the organizers for all the sacrifices they made!
Friar Ciprian BAN
