“Franciscans in the world, for the world: Identity, vows and communion”

date: 05.11.2012.

The seminar of permanent formation of the Third Franciscan Order of Bosnia and Herzegovina was held in Medjugorje from November 2-4, 2012. The theme of this seminar in which around 40 Tertiaries participated was: “Franciscans in the world, for the world: Identity, vows and communion”, and this theme was introduced by brother Benedetto Lino from the International Presidency of the Third Franciscan Order.
Seminar began with the introduction words of sister Marija Brekalo, Regional Minster of Herzegovina Brotherhood of the Third Franciscan Order. Introduction speakers were also: sister Nives Kanevcev, National Minister of the Third Franciscan Order and Fr. Danijel Rajic and Fr. Josip Vlasic who are regional spiritual assistants of the Third Franciscan Order and of Franciscan Youth. They have introduced conductor of this seminar, brother Benedetto Lino, who as an eighteen years old boy when he became Tertiary. Brother Benedetto said how the whole Franciscan family is one great project of God inspired by St. Francis. The concept of this seminar was based on lectures about Franciscan identity, importance and seriousness of vows, of Christian and Franciscan formation and identity of community that they belong to.
In order for us to understand our identity it is necessary to know to whom we belong to, whom are we to follow and what is that we are invited to do. Tertiaries need to be aware at all times that they are to follow Christ in the example of St. Francis. Even though they are different in Rules, all three Orders have one main common obligation given by St. Francis: to live the Gospel. As parts of one Franciscan family, mutually independent, all three Orders need to cooperate in their own way. Lecturer has given special attention to the Third Franciscan Order. Tertiaries, related to Christ by their solemn vows, are invited to be witnesses and instruments of His mission, to witness Him in their lives and words, to repair the Church through the example of St. Francis in opened and confidential dialogue with Holy Father, bishops and priests. Brother Benedetto encouraged all to live simplicity and humility of St. Francis.
The final part of this seminar was work in groups where all participants have defined lacks and problems in brotherhood in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have offered possible solutions to that. Fr. Danijel Rajic, main celebrant of the closing Holy Mass, emphasised important role of all of the participants of this seminar: to pass on what was adopted into their communities, with lots of love, for it was St. Francis who said: “A drop of true love is more precious than the whole sea of knowledge.”  (photos)