Staying Connected

Friar John-Joseph Dolan in Australia

In the first days of the Franciscan Order, the brotherhood was small and intimate communication relatively easy to achieve. Very quickly, however, the order grew, spreading first throughout Europe and then the rest of the world. At each location friars lived in fraternities as they continue to do today. Being a part of the Conventual Franciscan Order, they have however always needed a connection to their brothers around the world.

One of the Conventual Franciscan friaries is located near Sydney

(photo source: australiaphotos.co.uk)

This connection is maintained through visitations. This year, for example, Friar John-Joseph Dolan – the General Assistant for the Conference of North America, Britain and Ireland visited Australia’s General Custody of Our Lady, Help of Christians. During his trip he met with 15 friars in 4 different friaries around the country. At each friary, a house chapter was held during which the local friars discussed various concerns with their guest from Rome. Friar John-Joseph’s discussion agenda included the order’s mission in Vietnam, possible structural changes in the custody, and maintaining a sense of fraternal life in friaries. Friar John-Joseph also informed the friars of various happenings at the Conventual Franciscans’ General Curia in Rome. This way the bonds connecting all the friars to their order were reinforced.

The Conventual Franciscans' General Curia in Rome, Italy