On March 3-6, 2019, the Assistant General for the Centralis Europae Foederatio (CEF) visited the Romanian friars who live and work in Germany.
Their presence is located in the south of Germany (Bavaria) around Lake Chiemsee. They currently have two communities: Grabenstätt and Chieming; with four friars in each, led by Friar Gabriel BUDAU, the Representative of the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania. In addition to these, there are three more Romanian friars, two of whom are inserted in the Province of St. Elisabeth in Germany at Cologne and Schwarzenberg and the third at the retreat house in Münster-Schwarzach.
During the visit, the friars talked about their joys and labors with Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ. There was prayer, some time for fraternity and some trips. All of the friars are young; the average age is thirty-four. Some who have just arrived are still studying German. The friars were entrusted with two great pastoral territories with several churches that were once parishes. The official erection of their friary is still in process, but is expected to take place in the near future.
During the meeting, the Assistant General for the CEF spoke to the friars about “Franciscan identity”, and encouraged the confreres not to forget this fundamental element of our vocation, in pastoral work and in life in general.
On Monday, March 11, they held their annual retreat, led by Friar Ştefan ACATRINEI, a Provincial Definitor, together with Friar Lucian HORLESCU, a professor at our seminary in Roman, Romania.
Friar MiIjenko HONTIĆ, Assistant General for the CEF
