On November 7-10, 2023, the members of the Board of Directors of Franciscans International (FI) met in Geneva, Switzerland, for their second in-person meeting of the year. On November 8, the Board Members and six other FI staff members made a pilgrimage to the Taizé religious community (France). After reciting Midday Prayer in common, the brothers of Taizé invited the FI group to lunch. The pilgrimage gave a spiritual prelude to the FI meeting.
On November 8, 2023, a simple but profound prayer service was held in the Church of St. Nicolas in Geneva, to mark the first and most important transition for Franciscans International in the coming year. Friar Markus HEINZE, OFM, is concluding his third three-year term as the Executive Director of Franciscans International. At the same time, Blair MATHESON, of the Anglican Tertiary Society of St. Francis (TSSF) is coming in as the new Executive Director of our organization.
Friar Michael PERRY, OFM, presided over the ceremony. Our Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, OFM Conv., and the Minister General of the Third Order Regular (TOR), Friar Amando TRUJILLO CANO, represented the Conference of the Franciscan Family (CFF). There were also representatives from diverse faith-based organizations in Geneva, including Edmund Rice International, the Marist Brothers, Vivat International, Dominicans for Justice and Peace (UNOP), and Caritas International.
On November 9, the two Ministers General were given a tour of the United Nations Office at Geneva. Before leaving Geneva, they had a conversation with the FI Board of Directors. The Ministers General expressed their gratitude to FI for the work it does on their behalf at the United Nations. Moreover, they pledged to support the FI organization. However, they did not conceal their frustration in trying to get more friars involved in social justice issues.
During the last session of the FI meeting, Friar Michael PERRY expressed his gratitude to Friars James DONEGAN, OFM Cap., and Joseph BLAY, OFM Conv., who are about to complete their second three-year terms serving on the FI Board. Friar James has served as the FI Vice President for two years and FI Treasurer for one year, while Friar Joseph has served as the Board Secretary for three years.
Thus, the major transitions on the Board of Directors of Franciscans International are the appointments of the new FI Executive Director and the new members of its Board, representing the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, and the Tertiary Society of St. Francis.
Friar Joseph BLAY
