The Capuchins in Italy are taking time to reflect on
the greatest God-given gift they've received: work of 100 years among the native Brasilian
peoples. What really struck me was the Provincial's comment: "And we truly lived it as
a gift: participating in His mission, that is to say, the mission of Jesus
Christ." Why is this info newsworthy? Last week the parishes of the Bridgeport Diocese had World Mission Sunday (early, I know) where all the parishes had missionary priests preach on their efforts to bring the Gospel to their respective people. Where I am we had Father Anand, a priest from India. Catholics think and act in an outward direction (or at least they're supposed to) because of their Baptism in Christ and Saint Matthew saying: "Go make disciples of all nations." All this got me thinking and remembering that Blessed Pope John XXIII asked religious orders to devote 10% of their membership to the missions. Even the US diocesan priests formed associations to work in mission countries trying to respond to the Holy Father's request. So I ask myself: In what ways will I be a missionary? Are Catholics missionary today? Do we believe that the mission of Jesus Christ is our great gift? How do we intend to collaborate with Jesus and the Church (& the Capuchins)?
Watch the news clip from H2O News here.
Also worth noting is the statement that Franciscan mysticism (a deeper form of spirituality) engages the person affectively. The spiritual life is not an intellectual exercise!!!!! I wish we can here more about this topic.
Note, too, the Capuchin commitment to technology for the sharing of the faith!!! This is taking Saint Paul seriously. I look forward to seeing the good work in Assisi.
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