On July 15, 2025, the Feast of St. Bonaventure, the Friars Minor Conventual in the Bavarian town of Grabenstätt, Germany, took part in a significant event: the first patronal feast of the recently-established Provincial Delegation in Germany of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania.
The Delegation was founded in March of 2025, and was placed under the protection of St. Bonaventure, a great Doctor of the Church and a luminary of Franciscan thought. On his liturgical memorial, the friars of the Delegation and their Delegate, Friar Ioan LUPU, solemnly celebrated their patron saint, expressing gratitude and hope for their mission in Germany.
Many distinguished guests attended the celebration and their participation strengthened the sense of fraternity and communion within the Order. We are particularly grateful for the presence of the Vicar General, Friar Igor SALMIČ; the Assistant General for the Centralis Europae Foederatio (CEF), Friar Vincenzo COSATTI; the Minister Provincial of the Province of Romania, Friar Damian PĂTRAȘCU; the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Elizabeth in Germany, Friar Andreas MURK; the Dean of the Deanery in Rosenheim, Germany, Father Thomas SCHLICHTING; the Vice-Dean of the Deanery of Munich Northeast, Germany, Friar Gabriel BUDĂU; and of course, the friars of the Delegation.
Many other priests and friars also took part in the celebration, along with numerous collaborators and faithful from the parishes where the friars carry out their pastoral ministry. Representatives of the local Church were present as well.
The atmosphere was one of deep communion, fraternity, and Franciscan joy.
Friar Igor SALMIČ presided over the Mass and Friar Andreas MURK gave a beautiful and encouraging homily that touched everyone and succeeded in capturing what St. Bonaventure expressed in his theology: “God and man, one in search of the other.”
The event confirmed the importance of the presence of the Conventual Franciscans in Germany and gave new impetus to their mission, in the spirit of St. Francis, through the intercession of St. Bonaventure.
Thus, with enthusiasm and faith, the Provincial Delegation of St. Bonaventure continues its journey in service of God, the Order, the Church, and indeed, humanity, in the heart of Europe.
Friar Ioan LUPU
