The General Spiritual Assistant to the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, recently visited some OFS fraternities in the Americas. His visits were also very significant for our Conventual Franciscan presences in Latin America, particularly in the Provincial Custody of Mary, Mother of Mercy in Central America and the Provincial Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia.
During May of 2025, Friar Ștefan conducted several formation meetings with friars in initial formation. He shared his experience and knowledge with them and taught them about the Conventual Franciscan charism. His calendar of meetings was as follows: On Tuesday, May 13, he met with the postulants of Costa Rica. On Thursday, May 15, he met with the post-novices of El Salvador. Finally, on Wednesday, May 21, he met with the post-novices of Colombia.
During the meetings, he provided an in-depth exploration of St. Francis of Assisi and the Canticle of the Creatures. Some important topics were discussed, such as the context in which the Canticle was composed, the Canticle’s sense of praise and consolation, and its legacy for the believer. The participants also explored the theological aspects of the mountain as a place where God’s love is revealed, where pious activities take place and where the gifts one is given are consecrated.
Finally, Friar Ștefan urged the friars to continue dedicating their lives to God and to delve ever deeper into the life of St. Francis.
Friar Cristian Josué DE LA CRUZ DE LA CRUZ
