With the coming of the Christmas holidays, our young men in the formation houses of the Provincial Custody of Our Lady of Coromoto in Venezuela have felt the need to thank all of our benefactors who have supported and assisted them in their needs over the last two years, through the Franciscan Missionary Center of Rome.
We are well aware of the dramatic and historical situation confronting the people of Venezuela as they face a serious social and economic crisis and the lack of basic necessities. Our postulancy, novitiate and post-novitiate houses are in serious difficulty and in need of food, clothing, educational material and sanitation items. Thanks to the many benefactors and friends of the Missionary Center, it has been possible to partially alleviate some of the serious hardships afflicting our young men in formation.
Our Mother Province of St. Nicholas and St. Angelo in Italy (Puglia), various charities, and the Missionary Center have been aware of our countless needs. With the help of benefactors, the 5 x Mille charitable program and other forms of assistance, we have been able to better support the Custody, which today represents one of the most fragile and needy missions of our Order.
In our video (about four minutes long), the Custos, Friar Franklin A. DURÁN ZAMBRANO and our men in formation, thank those who have been so considerate toward them and wish that this Holy Christmas will bring them much peace, prosperity and serenity.
The video can be viewed on YouTube at: Canale Missioni OFMConv.
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO, Director of the Missionary Center
