On November 8-13, 2024, the friars of the Provincial Custody of the Orient and the Holy Land gathered for their annual spiritual retreat. For many years, it has been a tradition to gather for a week of spiritual renewal, allowing participants to set aside pastoral responsibilities and dedicate time to the Lord.
This year, the chosen setting was Büyükada Island, opposite Istanbul, Turkey, at the retreat center of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The participating friars came from the friaries at the Sent Antuan Basilica in Istanbul-Beyoğlu, the Santa Maria Church in Büyükdere, and the Santa Helena Church in the Karşıyaka Distirict of Izmir, Turkey. Unfortunately, due to ongoing hostilities and travel restrictions in Lebanon, the friars from the communities in Beirut and the Beqaa Valley (Zahle) could not attend in person. They were, however, able to participate online. This allowed them to follow the meditations led by Friar Emanuele RIMOLI, who traveled from Assisi for this purpose.
The theme of this year’s retreat was linked to the 800th anniversary of St. Francis receiving the stigmata. It provided an opportunity for profound reflection. Friar Emanuele led the friars in reinterpreting Gospel passages by viewing them through the experience of the stigmata, which deepened and transformed their relationship with the humanity of Christ. The Incarnation, Passion, death, and Resurrection of the Lord are mysteries that St. Francis sought to experience physically through his fervent love for God and his friars. He aspired to fully conform himself to Christ. The path of St. Francis—the process of becoming Christ-like—is open to every disciple who is called to align himself with the Lord in order to achieve fullness in communion with God.
The retreat passed quickly. The friars enjoyed seeing each other again and praying together. The stories shared by the Lebanese friars, who live amid insecurity and the constant threat of bombing, deeply moved everyone, further uniting them as friars through solidarity and prayers for peace.
One special moment occurred during Sunday Mass on November 10. It was celebrated at the Franciscan church of San Pacifico. The Mass, concelebrated by all the friars together with the local Christian community, was a tangible sign of unity in diversity. The diverse languages and cultures that enrich both the clergy and the faithful within Turkey’s Catholic Church, once again highlighted the universal beauty of faith.
At the end of the retreat, the friars were joined by the Assistant General for the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP) Friar Giovanni VOLTAN and the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania, Friar Damian-Gheorghe PĂTRAȘCU, for a two-day Extraordinary Chapter at the midpoint of the 2022-2026 four year term. This Chapter let the friars evaluate the progress of their Custodial Four-Year Plan and discuss various issues, such as the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. As a result, the friars expressed a strong desire for better communication between individuals and different fraternities through electronic means, where needed. Another priority was to foster exchange and contact among the communities of the Custody, for the purpose of mutual support and strengthening authentic fraternity.
Special thanks to the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart at their Sent Antuan Community in Büyükada for their warm and maternal hospitality. Their welcoming environment fostered serenity and peace, allowing religious leaders to dedicate several days to “the things of the Lord,” and engage in discernment and reflection on their fraternal journey. This experience rejuvenated them as they prepared to return to their apostolic activities as called by God.
Friar Alessandro RATTI
