On July 31, 1925, the Order’s great missionary adventure in the Far East began when eight Conventual Franciscan missionary friars from Italy set sail for China from the port of Brindisi, Italy. Six of the friars were from Sardinia, one was from Sicily and one was from the Region of Tuscany.
The journey took three months and ten days. The friars crossed seas, mountains, and rivers. They were a small group with no missionary experience or knowledge of Chinese customs and traditions. However, they were strongly motivated by a deep missionary commitment and a profound evangelical spirit.
That historic date, one hundred years ago, marked the beginning of the missionary journey of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. Earlier, the Order had suffered a series of painful suppressions and the hardships of World War I. The seed planted in those distant lands helped spur the Order’s rebirth with a focus on mission. It is thanks to the enthusiasm of that small group of friars that today the Order has missions in forty countries around the world. This flourishing growth has been continuous, starting from China in 1925, under the leadership of the Servant of God, Friar Giovanni SOGGIU. It continued a few years later with St. Maximilian KOLBE in Japan in 1930, and in 1931, with the Servant of God Friar Francesco Costantino MAZZIERI in Zambia.
After World War II, the mission continued to expand during the 1970s and 1990s, with another thirty-seven missions being opened. Today, there are many friars serving in missions who bear daily witness to the Gospel of love, service, and solidarity in the Franciscan spirit.
Thus, July 31, 1925, remains engraved in the hearts of every Conventual Franciscan friar, who, inspired by the pioneering spirit of the eight friars who left Brindisi, are today generating fresh missionary zeal through their fidelity to the Gospel and the charism of the Poverello of Assisi.
This year’s 100th anniversary celebration encourages the friars to renew their missionary commitment through their pastoral ministry. His Eminence Cardinal Pietro PAROLIN stated: “The centenary should be more than a commemoration of the past; it should inspire…true spiritual…renewal within the Order.” Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, the Minister General, remarked: “The ‘missionary dawn’ from one hundred years ago should continue to cast light on our presences around the world.” His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, addressing the members of the General Chapter, said: “Moreover, let me not forget that you Conventuals are also celebrating the anniversary of your renewed presence in the Far East.”
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO.
Former Director of the Missionary Center
of the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP)
