On Saturday, November 18, 2023, the feast day of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, members of the regional Secular Franciscan (OFS) fraternity of Moldova-Muntenia in Romania, gathered, at the behest of the Regional Minister, Ana BIRO, for a celebratory and formative assembly.
More than two hundred OFS members from twenty different local fraternities participated. They were accompanied by ten Spiritual Assistants. The event took place in Luizi Călugăra, Romania
The morning program began at 9:00 a.m. with the recitation of the Franciscan Crown Rosary. Next, there was a lecture by the National Spiritual Assistant, Friar Cristian BLĂJUȚ, on the theme: “Franciscan Fraternity.” At 10:30 a.m., the entire fraternity participated in Eucharistic adoration, led by the Local Spiritual Assistant, Friar Anton ACATRINEI.
At 11:00 a.m., the Vicar Provincial, Friar Emilian DUMEA presided over Mass. During the liturgy, the Rite of Admission was conducted for one sister and the Rite of Profession for four sisters. Particular attention was given to some brothers who were celebrating their tenth and fifteenth anniversaries of profession.
The joy and gladness of the OFS members continued into the afternoon, when everyone was invited to the parish oratory for a fraternal agape meal and discussion.
The truthfulness of Jesus’ words, “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt 18.20) was made palpable, thanks to the Holy Protectress of the Secular Franciscan Order who, having made Christ the center of her life, never ceased in calling others to gather around Him.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI
