On July 16, 2019, the second phase of the 30th anniversary celebration of the founding of Franciscans International (FI) took place at the Antonianum Pontifical University in Rome.
Up until now, the only initiative jointly supported by all of the Franciscan families has been Franciscans International. FI was founded upon the dream and vision of two friars and a Franciscan nun who were enthusiastic about Franciscan values and human rights. FI was recognized and accredited by the UN as a non-governmental organization (NGO) in 1989. FI operates under the sponsorship of Conference of the Franciscan Family. Each member Franciscan family in the Conference appoints a representative to the Board of Directors, who together with the Executive Director manages and leads this Franciscan NGO.
Those attending the anniversary celebrations included members of the OFM, OFM Conv., OFM Cap., OFS, members of other Franciscan men’s and women’s institutions and other lay institutions. The Superiors of the Franciscan Family Conference (CFF) also participated. The presence of Friar Dionysius MINTOFF, OFM, now eighty-eight, was very welcome. He is the last founder of FI still living.
The Most Reverend Fridolin Ambongo BESUNGU, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Kinshasa, offered his own testimony about collaborating with FI in the socio-political crisis that is taking place in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The third and final part of the anniversary will be celebrated in New York in November of 2019.
Fra Joseph BLAY
