On March 13-14, 2022, the Province of St. Elizabeth in Germany conducted a formation course designed especially for its elderly friars. The course took place at the Heilig Kreuz Jesu Christi Friary in Cologne, Germany.
The document Franciscan Discipleship stipulates that the Provincial formation program should offer something for its elderly friars. The average age for the friars in the Province of Germany is over sixty. The Minister Provincial, Friar Andreas MURK, was pleased that ten friars attended the program. The theme of the program was, “Vom Altwerden und Loslassen” (About Growing Old and Letting Go).
An OFM confrere had been scheduled to lead the program, but he was unable to attend due to illness. Mrs. Gabriele PECHEL took over and in addition to lecturing on the theme, gave the friars an opportunity to discuss their experiences together.
The two-day course included time to enjoy some recreation and to visit the Minoritenkirche church which, among other things, contains the tomb of Blessed John Duns Scotus.
Friar Andreas MURK, Minister Provincial
