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The Minister General of the Franciscan Order visited the Franciscans
of Western Canada March 26 through 28, 2009. Leader of one of the
worlds largest Religious communities, Jose Carballo OFM oversees 110
Franciscan Provinces and roughly 15,000 Franciscan Friars. “Given
that we are one of the smallest provinces, at least in terms of
numbers, it was a real treat to be visited by the Minister General”
remarked the local Franciscan Provincial Dennis Vavrek OFM.
Ironically, it was the Province of Christ the King’s smallness that
motivated the General to squeeze in this visit before his six year
term comes to an end in May 2009. The General, or Brother Jose as
he prefers to be called, was scheduled to visit Canada last year but
was forced to cancel due to his Father’s ailing health.
After two days in Montreal where he met with the Province of Christ
the King’s mother Province in Quebec, Jose Carballo arrived at Mt.
St Francis Retreat Centre in Cochrane Alberta before completing his
visitation at St. Francis Friary in Edmonton. At both Alberta
stops, the General encouraged the Friars to live the gospel
creatively, enthusiastically, and collaboratively. Joined by the
English speaking representative on the General Council, Finnian
McGinn OFM, Brother Jose was encouraged by the recent influx of
vocations into the Western Canadian entity. Brother Jose was
pleased to meet a number of young men in formation with the Province
of Christ the King, and was particularly encouraged to learn that 3
fellows will make their Solemn Profession in the Order this summer.
All good news considered, the fearless leader would not allow the
Friars to be satisfied with the status quo. “You have a lot of
young men, and the opportunity to recruit more” he said. “The world
is changing, and we need to find new ways to engage it. Develop
yourselves intellectually, and be with the people of this world,”
Jose insisted. “Celebrate 800 years of Franciscanism!” 2009 is the
800th anniversary of the Franciscan Order’s founding.
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