“We must value what we have, and look ahead with great hope as we tackle the issues in the Order’s life”. This was the message of our General Minister Br. Mauro Jöhri in his homily at the closing Mass of the International Formation Council. It was also a rallying call for the General Formation Secretariat, at its sixth general assembly held in Frascati from May 2-6 2011. Both the General Minister of the Friars Minor, Br. José Rodrìguez Carballo, and our own Br, Mauro, shared their views on the challenges, prospects and starategies facing the Order in the area of formation, and provided much material for reflection and a lively debate. Br. Mauro’s presence throughout the 5 days of the assembly was particularly appreciated.
The Assembly produced a first draft of the Statute of the General Formation Secretariat, which will be submitted to the General Definitory. This was a major step forward in defining more clearly the identity and function of this body, which animates one of the key areas in the life of the Order.
