2009 will be the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the Order of Friars Minor by Saint Francis of Assisi. For the third consecutive year, the Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land gathered in each region for a joint celebration in preparation for this jubilee.
In the Holy Land, the Custos, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, presided over both celebrations. One was for the Galilee, and the other for Jerusalem and the surrounding area.
Nazareth, where the festivities began, brought together some thirty friars and about twenty lay people and religious who are attracted to the spirituality of the Little Poor Man of Assisi, including the Shalom Community, which led the singing. The antique apse, the presence of Mary in her Annunciation, the joy of her "fiat", all imbued the prayer of Vespers and the Mass that followed with a familial and intimate character.
A striking contrast with the "fiat" of Gethsemane: A good hundred Franciscans and a few lay people, the sung Latin Mass and the Rock of the Agony added to the solemnity.
Nevertheless, the same holiday spirit permeated the celebration, uniting the friars around the Gospel. These friars who have the grace of living in the Holy Land, the "fifth gospel".
The Custos, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, addressed a few words to them: "In this celebration we are thinking of the two "fiats", Mary’s and Jesus’, that began the history of our Salvation and, in a certain way, our own personal histories. At the beginning of our voyage, we certainly said our "yes" with passion, but also, perhaps, a little unaware of exactly what it meant. There have also certainly been accents of the more painful "fiat" of Gethsemane in obedience to the demands of faith.
“Three years ago, we received the tau that for us is the sign of Francis’ conversion; this year we will receive the gospel, which illuminated Francis’ conversion and completely changed his life and ours. This evening, we also want to renew our "fiat", our profession.
When we look at our life, so many weaknesses are apparent to our eyes. Even so, stopping there would be a lack of faith. We also have to look at our lives with the eyes of God himself.
We were not chosen because we are perfect. We are not here because our life is perfect. We are here simply because He chose us and called us in spite of our weaknesses, and we are invited to remain faithful to this call.
The Lord does not need perfect instruments; he needs broken potsherds (cocci). We are all limited, but we are here because God brought us here. And that is the object of our gratitude. We are not here because we are wonderful (bravi), because our fraternities are perfect, but because at his own loving initiative He gratuitously chose us and placed us here.
May we now renew our vows with passion, with the desire to renew that "yes", that gift, that consecration following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi. With our fears, our fatigue, our lack of comprehension… ours but also those of our fraternities. With our joy and our gratitude, as well. The Lord can change water into wine, and if someone says "There is no more wine" then the Lord will change us."
After these words, all the friars present knelt and renewed their vows, forcefully and in unison: a very powerful moment.
Following the celebration they received a leaflet prepared by the students, symbolizing the gift of the Gospel.
"For us friars minor in the service of the Holy Land, this engagement is even more inviting and inspiring because we can follow the footsteps of Christ, not only in spirit, but also by living in the historic places of Salvation."
A happy jubilee to all the friars!
MAB
In the Holy Land, the Custos, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, presided over both celebrations. One was for the Galilee, and the other for Jerusalem and the surrounding area.
Nazareth, where the festivities began, brought together some thirty friars and about twenty lay people and religious who are attracted to the spirituality of the Little Poor Man of Assisi, including the Shalom Community, which led the singing. The antique apse, the presence of Mary in her Annunciation, the joy of her "fiat", all imbued the prayer of Vespers and the Mass that followed with a familial and intimate character.
A striking contrast with the "fiat" of Gethsemane: A good hundred Franciscans and a few lay people, the sung Latin Mass and the Rock of the Agony added to the solemnity.
Nevertheless, the same holiday spirit permeated the celebration, uniting the friars around the Gospel. These friars who have the grace of living in the Holy Land, the "fifth gospel".
The Custos, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, addressed a few words to them: "In this celebration we are thinking of the two "fiats", Mary’s and Jesus’, that began the history of our Salvation and, in a certain way, our own personal histories. At the beginning of our voyage, we certainly said our "yes" with passion, but also, perhaps, a little unaware of exactly what it meant. There have also certainly been accents of the more painful "fiat" of Gethsemane in obedience to the demands of faith.
“Three years ago, we received the tau that for us is the sign of Francis’ conversion; this year we will receive the gospel, which illuminated Francis’ conversion and completely changed his life and ours. This evening, we also want to renew our "fiat", our profession.
When we look at our life, so many weaknesses are apparent to our eyes. Even so, stopping there would be a lack of faith. We also have to look at our lives with the eyes of God himself.
We were not chosen because we are perfect. We are not here because our life is perfect. We are here simply because He chose us and called us in spite of our weaknesses, and we are invited to remain faithful to this call.
The Lord does not need perfect instruments; he needs broken potsherds (cocci). We are all limited, but we are here because God brought us here. And that is the object of our gratitude. We are not here because we are wonderful (bravi), because our fraternities are perfect, but because at his own loving initiative He gratuitously chose us and placed us here.
May we now renew our vows with passion, with the desire to renew that "yes", that gift, that consecration following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi. With our fears, our fatigue, our lack of comprehension… ours but also those of our fraternities. With our joy and our gratitude, as well. The Lord can change water into wine, and if someone says "There is no more wine" then the Lord will change us."
After these words, all the friars present knelt and renewed their vows, forcefully and in unison: a very powerful moment.
Following the celebration they received a leaflet prepared by the students, symbolizing the gift of the Gospel.
"For us friars minor in the service of the Holy Land, this engagement is even more inviting and inspiring because we can follow the footsteps of Christ, not only in spirit, but also by living in the historic places of Salvation."
A happy jubilee to all the friars!
MAB