On April 17, 2023, the friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico renewed their religious profession in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the approval of the Rule.

Although this celebration has no legal standing, it recalls the commitment we make when we profess solemn vows. It is a commitment we make with love, in response to the calling that God in his infinite goodness has bestowed upon us.
The friars of the San José de Cupertino Friary in León, Guanajuato State, Mexico, celebrated Franciscan Family Day in the “Coesillo,” a church dedicated to St. Francis, under the care of the Friars Minor. This was where our confreres renewed their religious vows together with many other brothers and sisters who follow the same charism, including  the Friars Minor, several Secular Franciscan fraternities and various other Franciscan religious.
The Guardian of the friary in León, Friar Jorge HERNANDEZ DE LUNA, OFM Conv., presided over the Mass and gave the homily. His homily was focused on the Rule and how it reflects not so much the law as it does life. At the end of the celebration, a fraternal agape meal was served.
Overall, this event was a good opportunity for meditating on our Franciscan charism, especially the aspect of fraternity. Franciscan Family Day is an annual celebration: the friars see many familiar faces, and also meet new brothers and sisters attracted by the spirituality of the Poverello of Assisi. Let us ask the Lord Jesus to grant us the grace to always be good witnesses, and to always have the courage to follow him.

Friar Jorge HERNÁNDEZ DE LUNA, Guardian of the friary in León.

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