From Monday, September 16 to Friday September 20, 2024, a continuing formation event was conducted for the friars of the Province of St. Jerome in Croatia. The event was held in Vienna, Austria.
As per tradition, each September, the friars of Croatia meet for continuing formation at the Heilige Dreifaltigkeit Friary in Vienna. Thirteen friars participated this year, led by their Minister Provincial, Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ, and their Vicar Provincial, Friar Martin JAKOVIĆ, who organized the event. This event gives the friars an opportunity to gather together, share experiences and reflect on key issues. There were lectures and Mass each morning and sightseeing in the afternoon.
Friars Milan GELO and Stjepan BRČINA gave the formation lectures. Since this year marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis receiving the stigmata, Friar Milan devoted the first lecture to that subject, which was given on the feast day itself. In the first part of his lecture, he analyzed the phenomenon of the stigmata. In the second part, he spoke about St. Francis’ experience on Mount La Verna, emphasizing how his love for the crucified Christ was at the very heart of his life. Moreover, his love continues to be a source of inspiration for us today. Finally, Friar Milan proposed making the La Verna event part of our lives. He stressed that Christians who really want to follow Christ, must follow the way of love for the crucified Christ, as St. Bonaventure urged. He also stressed what St. Francis taught us, namely, that our wounds should not be a place of lament and defeat, but a place of God’s presence. On the same day, Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ presided over Mass. In his homily, he urged the friars to follow the example of St. Francis in discovering the importance of admiring God who allowed himself to be crucified for love of humankind. He emphasized that meditating on the love of Jesus allows us to recognize that we are loved. Moreover, it inspires us to proclaim God’s love to others and give concrete witness to it.
Friar Stjepan BRČINA gave the second lecture. He spoke about the pastoral challenges of working with youth. He emphasized how the Church throughout history has always found a way to respond to the challenges of the time and the society in which it was present. The mentality of today’s people, especially youth, requires pastors to rediscover their priestly and religious identity, and renew their ability to listen to young people and to guide and help them discern their vocation. Being the Director of the Vocations Center, Friar Stjepan emphasized how working with youth is a concern we all share. He highlighted the importance of Franciscan fraternity and collaboration with the laity. After these two lectures, all of the friars took part in group work and exchanged experiences.
The participants were also given the opportunity to learn more about the history and monuments of Vienna. They met with the Guardian of the Heilige Dreifaltigkeit Friary, Friar Thomas MANANIL. He spoke about the Franciscan presence in Vienna, which dates back to 1224.
The continuing formation event ended on September 20 with Mass celebrated with the local friars and faithful.
Friar Zvonimir PERVAN, Provincial Office of Communications
