It has become a tradition that once a year the government of the Province of St. Elizabeth in Germany invites the friars to take part in a continuing formation event entitled: “Among Us”.
On April 28-30 , 2025, fourteen friars gathered at the Gekreuzigten Erlöser [Crucified Savior] Friary in Lage, Germany. The Province opened this presence in February of 2021, and the faithful there very much appreciate the friars for their pastoral work. The Guardian, Friar Maximilian M. BAUER, was very happy to host the visiting friars.
Unlike other formation gatherings, the “Among Us” event has no speaker and does not take place in a full service conference center. Everything is a little simpler: the friars provide for themselves and also establish the main topics of the event. The next ordinary Provincial Chapter is two years away. The Provincial Definitory believes it is important to start a synodal process in which the friars can reflect together on questions such as: How do we want to live? What distinguishes our charism? In what places can and do we want to live in the future?
During the first part of the event, the friars reflected on our formula for the profession of vows and on their promise to serve God in our community. Next, they asked themselves: Where and when do I find moments of happiness in my life? How does fraternity help me to live well?
In the second part, the focus broadened to the Province and the Order. The friars took a quiz that let them verify, in a playful way, how much they knew about the realities of our community. The Minister Provincial, Friar Andreas MURK, emphasized: “We must look honestly at reality. We certainly cannot change everything immediately. However, it is better to try to understand right away rather than one day find ourselves completely unprepared to face our many challenges.” It became clear that many realities in the Province function well, are well organized, and that the friars are very satisfied. However, it also became clear that it is always necessary to question the signs of the times.
In the third part of the event, the friars reflected very specifically on the criteria needed to set off on a good path towards the future.
However, since a common experience among the friars is often more fruitful than a thematic discussion, the highlight of the formation event was making a rubber dinghy trip down the short Hase River. Who should steer? Who should take command? Who should slow down? Who almost capsized their dinghy? The outing was a positive experience; the friars did quite well.
After the dinghy trip, the friars visited the Benedictine nuns at Dinklage Abbey. They were given a guided tour of the monastery and participated in Evening Prayer. Finally, they enjoyed a delicious dinner at a restaurant on Lake Alfsee.
Long live the fraternity!
Friar Andreas MURK
