Cartoons of Brotherhood  by a creative participant referring to the sessions &  recreational moments during the course in Jerusalem

Animators of the Ongoing formative Course in Jerusalem & the Insights

Br. Rosendo Perez, Ofm Cap., an experienced archeologist and a tourist guide from Spain led us into a pilgrimage into various holy places. His spiritual reflections, humour-filled specific explanations about the holy places and their historical background were very helpful. He regularly accompanies different groups to the Holy Land and on other pilgrimages. He can be reached in the following address:

P. Rosendo Perez

Guia De Tierra Santa, Federico Tapia, 71,

15005 A CORUNA-Spain

Tel. 981 23 11 17, Movil-629 210 132

Br. Carlos Gil, Ofm Cap., an expert in the New Testament from Spain, inspired the participants about the origins of Christianity in the first few centuries-Pauline traditions-different historical models of Christianity-Socio-political ambient of Jesus & his relevance for faith-different historical reconstructions on Jesus- a study about how the Good News proclamation took various shapes and change during the early five centuries-Franciscan Literature, Francis’ approach to Jesus & our response in the Light of the Gospel. His reflections invited the participants to rediscover the true message of unconditional love and mercy of Jesus.

His contact details:

Carlos Gil Arbiol
Universidad de Deusto
Avenida de las Universidades, 24

48007 Bilbao (Spain)

Email <cgil@deusto.es> ph. 0034 661 264 913
www.origenesdelcristianismo.com/carlosgilarbiol
deusto.academia.edu/carlosgilarbiol

Br. Victor Herrero Ofm Cap., a budding Bible Scholar from Spain led the participants into the world of Old Testament, Hebrew Bible, History of Israel and their literature, Faith journey of Abraham, Song of Songs & seeing God as love manifest, Life of Prophet Isaiah, Story of Job, the problem of evil and a new vision about the God of History. His creative presentation of relevant OT materials as replica of our own lives enlightened the participants. His rich knowledge in biblical literature and ancient languages captured the attention of the participants.

His contact details:

Víctor Herrero <victorherrerodemiguel@gmail.com>

ph. 0034 630 922096

Br. Jaime Rey Ofm Cap., (General Secretary for Formation, Rome) dealt with the following themes: update in Anthropology with a specific reference to different contemporary philosophical movements of the world-Franciscan Anthropology-Crisis of St. Francis and his response-St. Clare, a women who inspired Francis-Model of fraternity as a relevant paradigm-Capuchin Identity today, Challenges & Our Mission. His talks gave a new vision to the participants, helped them to do a synthesis of all that they have seen, heard and experienced these days.  And his animation inspired them to re-kindle the Franciscan Spirit within them.

Br. Charles Alphonse Ofm Cap., (General Secretary for Formation, Rome) animated the group with the following themes: Inner Journey-Identifying the blessings & negative emotions-Reclaiming the Inner Child-Psycho-sexual Mutuality-Well-being exercises & Healing Methods. He also assisted the brothers with the therapy sessions with the following areas: Travelling back to the past up to one’s Mother’s Womb, Handling of anger, sadness, fear and recharging oneself with Grace & Positive Energy.

The Fraternity in Jerusalem

Our brothers Fra. Stefano Giulio Dubini, Fra. Joseph Mindling, Fra. Ravi Rozario, Fra. Yunus were very supportive, fraternal and generous in helping brothers have a pleasant stay. The participants expressed full satisfaction about the arrangements, food, accommodation and the house atmosphere. Sr. Emanuela, Sr. Esther and other Staff members were very serviceable and made the participants feel at home.

Fra. Artemio Vittores Ofm

In the third week of July we visited Fra. Artemio Vittores Ofm., the Vice-Custos of the Custody of Jerusalem. In his talk to our brothers he shared the following insights, “Here in the Holy Land you can touch, see, hear and feel the presence of God in Jesus.”  Referring to the Encounter that St. Francis had with the Sultan he said that when St. Francis met Sultan he was impressed by Francis. He seemed to have said to his fellow men: “This man is ready to die for me and I cannot kill him.” And to Francis he is assumed to have said, “here I will go against our law  because you came to die for me.” Here the fraternal ways of St. Francis had the power to conquer the human heart of this ruler. God is equal for all and we are all equal. We are called to live a transparent lives enriching one another. We the Franciscans have been the custodians of the holy places in and around Holy Land. We also support the Christian community and others by creating work for people through schools, medicine, and apartments for the pilgrims. Thus the local people are sustained. We call on all of you to encourage people to visit the Holy Land, experience God and also support the people who live here.