Prot. N. 0092/2021
The Most Reverend Friar Martin KMETEC, OFM Conv.,
Metropolitan Archbishop of Smyrna (Izmir), Turkey
Dearest brother,
From far away Japan, where I am participating in the Ordinary Chapter of the Province of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I am writing to wish you every blessing and assure you of my prayers.
The Lord has chosen you to lead the Latin Church, which is foreign in the Diocese of Smyrna, a region that early on came to know Christianity. I know that as a Franciscan missionary your heart is already oriented towards love and the flock that you must now guide as its shepherd.
In addition to the challenges that this ministry brings, there is also the present historical situation, full of considerable difficulties. I ask, therefore, that the Holy Spirit give you the light of his wisdom and the strength of his grace, together with his anointing that today consecrates you as Bishop.
May the Most High, God of mercy and goodness, protect you.
Friar Carlos A. Trovarelli
Minister General
Tokyo, February 2, 2021
You can follow the live broadcast of Friar Martin’s Episcopal Ordination on February 2, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. (Izmir, Turkey), 2:00 p.m. Italian time at:
New schedule of the celebration: 15:30 (Italian time)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp_-C-O7Rkg/
