On April 1-5, 2024, during Easter week, the friars of the Provincial Custody of St. Bonaventure in France-Belgium gathered at the friary in Cholet, France.
During the first few days of the gathering, the friars were in contact with the friary in Lourdes, France, where Friar Luigi CENCI was passing the final hours of his life, accompanied by a number of friars. Indeed, on the morning of April 3, 2024, at the age of eighty, Friar Luigi surrendered his soul to God, holding the hand of the Virgin Mary, as he said, in order to complete the passage.
This event notwithstanding, the friars continued to work on sensitive matters regarding their personal and community lives. They addressed the issue of initial formation and problems they are having in maintaining the presence of some of their communities. The Custody’s new Director of Communications dropped by to introduce himself to the friars.
The Custody gathers for a meeting twice a year. These meetings give everyone a chance to come together, talk about their daily lives and get to know each other better. This fraternal gathering was an opportunity to remember Friar Luigi, plan the celebration of his funeral, select photos, etc.
On Saturday, April 6, the friars gathered at the friary in Lourdes, where they celebrated Friar Luigi’s funeral at the church where he always attended Sunday Mass. A viewing of the body took place in the St. Maximilian chapel, which also features an exhibit on St. Maximilian Kolbe. Many friends from the church came to pay their respects. Each of the friars was able to spend some time watching over the body and giving thanks for the life and work of Friar Luigi. Friar Roberto BRANDINELLI, the Minister Provincial of the Custody’s Mother Province, the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua (Northern Italy), attended the funeral, along with the Vicar Provincial and the Provincial Secretary. The Custos, Friar Jean-François M. AUCLAIR, presided over the funeral celebration, which was an opportunity to remember Friar Luigi’s last words and to recall what was dear to him, such as unity, humility and taking care of the friary in Lourdes.
Friar Jean-François Marie AUCLAIR
