From May 27 to June 9, 2018, young friars of the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF) took part in the second stage of their formation experience in Assisi and other Franciscan places. Their home base was the proto-friary of Rivotorto near Assisi.
They were able to take part in some missionary discussions with Friar Jarosław WYSOCZAŃSKI Secretary General for Missionary Animation (SGAM) during their reflections and visits to different places.
June 7, 2018 was the liturgical commemoration of the Blessed Franciscan martyrs of Pariacoto, Peru: Friars Michał TOMASZEK and Zbigniew STRZAŁKOWSKI. On that day a workshop was organized on various themes, consisting of three parts: the methodological approach of the various missions in Kenya and Zambia, an assessment of the effort of “inculturation” of pastoral methods, popular religiosity, cultures and places of origin, and one’s “insertion” among the least.
Some questions were posed, starting from the highs and lows of the recent past. According to the young friars from Kenya and Zambia, what should the Franciscan style of the mission be today? What are the concrete choices one should make? In what areas would it be good to be engaged? Along what lines could the Order’s missionary policy proceed?
The second part of the workshop was dedicated to discussing and testifying about the life and martyrdom of our confreres Michał and Zbigniew. During the third part, horizons were opened with regard to the Order’s missions, through lessons and discussions covering the key elements of Franciscan spirituality, in order to awaken passion and enthusiasm for missionary work.
In the evening, Friar Jarosław WYSOCZAŃSKI presided over Mass with the local fraternity, parishioners, SFO brothers and pilgrims. In commemorating the martyrdom of Friars Michał and Zbigniew, three words were emphasized: mission, fraternity and the poor.
One detail was especially meaningful: everything took place in a very special location – the sanctuary of Rivotorto – where the Franciscan adventure first began.
Friar Jarosław WYSOCZAŃSKI, SGAM General Secretary