VATICAN CITY, FEB 17, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul today received the Friars Minor Conventuals, meeting in Rome for their General Chapter, during which they elected the 118th successor to their founder, St. Francis. In his address to them, the Pope underlined how a General Chapter is "an important occasion for reflection and planning which encourages its members to look to the future."
Citing his Apostolic Letter "Novo Millennio Ineunte," the Holy Father affirmed: "Starting afresh from Christ, this must be your first commitment. Only by leaning firmly on Christ will it be possible for you to enact the various programs" set out during the general chapter. ... This love for Christ must be expressed, in the first place, with fidelity to personal and community prayer, especially that of the liturgy, which has marked your order from the start."
The Pope underscored their fraternal life, calling it "your specific conventual Franciscan charism." He quoted the first biographer of St. Francis, Brother Tommaso of Celano, who described "Francis' first companions as filled with a love that was not only joyful but also animated by a true fraternal affection."
"In your Chapter," remarked John Paul II, "what has emerged often is the call to a simple and intense spirituality: in a word, Franciscan. ... Protect and promote spiritual life, making yourselves available to lead the faithful who turn to you down this path. In our days we see increasingly evident signs of a deep thirst for values, paths and goals of the spirit."
The Holy Father concluded his talk by remarking on the "many occasions that Providence offers" the Franciscans to live their charisms, especially in their work at the shrines entrusted to them and in their work as confessors. He thanked them in particular for their pastoral work as confessors in St. Peter's Basilica during the Jubilee Year 2000.
AC;GENERAL CHAPTER;...;FRANCISCANS CONVENTUALS;VIS;20010219;Word: 310;
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