Saturday, January 31, 2015

General Minister and Jean Bertin return from their Visit to Burkina Faso and Ghana

Early morning the General Minister along with the newly nominated Bishop Elect Jean Bertin arrived from Africa. They were on visitation for two weeks. They were happy to visit the friars, be with them and see their work and ministry. The visit of the General minister and the councilor is always awaited with joy and expectations. It gives the friars the boost which is needed to live our Charism in a worthy manner. The elder brothers visit is seen as the visitation from the Founder St. Francis. We are trying our best to conduct pastoral and fraternal visitation of the Provinces before 2018. 

In honor of Jean Bertin, Bishop elect we had a fraternal gathering. This is to appreciate his person, ministry and apostate that he carried out in his position as the General councilor for Africa. He has been active and was initiating many new things in two conferences of Africa. It is tough to be the Councilor of Africa as it is a continent and not that easy to travel. Obtaining visa is a big thing and difficult too. We thank him for all that he did in last three years as a General Councilor....we will miss him in the Curia and also in Afica....Our Loss is the gain of the Mother Church. One friar said here in the Curia.....we are not religious for ourselves but for the Church.....we are at the service of the Lord...He sends us where no one wants to go.....the words of the General Minister have come true....sometimes the dioceses are tough and difficult ones....but the Lord wants us to enter to proclaim his good news....Our father Francis went among those who did not even believe....good start he initiated for us.....we need to continue....Br. Jean Bertin we are with you in prayers....and spirit too


 we are happy for Jean Bertin.....though we are sad to have him leave us....but definitely we will be in touch with the spirit

 The General Minister participates in the celebration....though tired from a long journey
 Yea what do you think of us????????we are capable to shake and move the world according the Gospel of Jesus....The capuchins can still evangelize the world....awake ourselves and the church too...

 I am walking toward....marching towards fraternal economy....
 sometimes the size also matters.....you better get ready...we need strong pillars of faith today and i think you are one of the strongest pillars of the Order
 Mamma i am called to be the Pillar of the Church and Order...should i?
 We two of us can make a great company and dispel the darkness around....
 Canon Number......says no you can not do it alone but you need a community...says Albert
 Oh what a company am in? i feel so great that i can't contain my smile....

 Shoulder to shoulder......great to be in the company to Jean.....


we embraced capuchin life some years ago but still continue embracing the charism of being brothers to one another....
 we don't count money but we touch the hearts of the friars...
 Three awesome friars......
 fourth one is added......

A.J.Mathew joined us.....he comes from Burkina Faso after his visitation to the brothers there.....

 I join here and there to fill the gaps which are solid one.....
After their visit to Burkina faso and Ghana...look at their smiles.....friars are working hard and well says the General minister


Time for the Guardian Marek to say few words about Jean.....no tears but hearts singing songs of joy and thanksgiving...
 Charles returned yesterday after vacation....Jaime says charlie looks relaxed and happy...
 The friars all with heavy heart listen about Jean and his nomination....

 Moment to cut the cake and rejoice..





To feed a piece of cake to a bishop elect is an honor.....may you always be sweet in your diocese as a bishop....may all your dreams and plans be fulfilled.....



Thursday, January 29, 2015

Br. Massimo Rossini returned to the Curia

He received an applause as he entered the refectory...all friars rose up to wish and embrace him. A warm and fraternal welcome was given to Br. Massimo. He was absent for two months as he was under medical treatment. He underwent eye surgery and he is now fine. His eyesight is slowly bouncing back to normal. For two months we were missing this smile.....welcome brother and speedy recovery....may God grant you good health
 Jose seems to be saying how much we missed you....now that you are here .....we are so happy....Do you need anything...please approach me.....
Willie was the most who missed Massimo.....There were no theories but practicals.....He is happy that now he can make a lot of fun....

Br. Jean Bertin Nominated the Bishop of Lolo (Repubblica Democratica del Congo)

Br. Jean Bertin - a man of Faith and Prayer....a friar who can get along well with the others....he has a heart for the poor and above all for human beings.....He smiles and gest his work done. He loves everything that takes to build a communion. A friar who can communicate easily with difficult persons. There are many more qualities that as a new Bishop he needs....He will definitely put all these qualities at the service of the Church and bring about a change and transformation. He would use all his expertise to change the face of the diocese. 


A friar who is always at his desk and serious work he loves....During our council meetings he would speak and present the reports of the provinces of Africa....He did very well in last three years....he was getting into the mentality and spirit of African Capuchins.....he loved going and visiting the friars...Hugo is standing next to him....hope he will not be the next councilor to be at the service of the Church....



 Oh, i know i am gonna smile even in the new place.....it is innate and something which is natural for Jean Bertin......May the Lord keep you smiling always and make you fruitful in your ministry.....
 I am walking with hope and expectation.....i Know the Light of Jesus will guide me....and then along with me will be the Order and the priests.....I count on the prayers and support of all....
 We will miss you dear Jean...we worked together for three years....But we will remember you in our prayers....best wishes......we will be with you till we meet again.....
 sharing his experiences with the others comes very natural to him.....he loves telling what he goes through while animating the Provinces.....

 Let's cheer up....Life is mixed bundle of joys and sorrows.....let's move on....there will be throns and bushes, thistles and many more things....But the lord will takes us further on.......But a smile will take all the blues away...
 I am honored and humbled to be chosen for the service of the Lord.....I will be faithful to His commands......
 We are all happy and excited.....we know that the news is good for the Order and the Church at large...

 The General secretary communicating to him some good news....it ought to be so......
 Now i will have to write down a lot....am good at it.....

In the measure you give, so shall you receive and still more will be given to you.



Gospel: Mk 4:21-25
     Jesus also said to them, “When the light comes, is it to be put under a tub or a bed? Surely it is put on a lamp stand. Whatever is hidden will be disclosed, and whatever is kept secret will be brought to light. Listen then, if you have ears!” And he also said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear.

  In the measure you give, so shall you receive and still more will be given to you. For to the one who produces something, more will be given, and from him who does not produce anything, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

     To hear and to listen are two different things. We can hear people talk, we can hear all kinds of sounds and noises, but to listen is something else. When someone talks to us but does not interest us we just hear that person talk, but we do not listen to him. In the Gospel Jesus says, “Listen, those who have ears.” Conversion comes from listening to the Word of God. We cannot follow Jesus much less understand his teachings unless we listen to everything he tells us.

     There are two voices speaking to us every day, the voice of God and the voice of the devil. It is easier to listen to the voice of the devil because he tells us what we want to hear. He flatters and entices us with pleasure and comfort, and often invites us to do selfish acts. On the other hand, Jesus invites us to take the hard and narrow path. Our reward for doing so often comes after or much later.
     What is God telling us to do in the Gospel reading? Not to hide our Christianity, but to be proud to be Christians. To tell the truth of what is right and wrong even when we will be laughed at. Not to cheat and steal money when everybody around us is doing so. To be compassionate to the poor and the downtrodden. To forgive those who hurt us, etc. There are many ways to let our light shine so that men might praise God on account of our good works.

     We are not Christians for ourselves alone but for others. Every Christian has a mission – to bring people to Jesus Christ. Are you aware of your responsibilities as a Christian?