Greetings to the Chapter Members
(Minister general)

My Dear Brother Chapter Members:

These few, simple, but heartfelt words wish to be, first of all, a greeting to all of you, my Brother Chapter Members and, in you and through you, to all the Brothers of the Order spread throughout the entire world: “May the Lord give you peace!”

Secondly, these words wish to express my gratitude to the Lord for having called me to life, for having chosen and called me to form part of the Franciscan Family and for having protected and lead me by the hand during my 32 years of Franciscan life.

With them I thank each and every one of you for the trust you have placed in me on electing me your Minister and Servant. Thank you also for the manifestations of affection that I received before, during and after my election. I thank you from my heart. I have needed and continue to need your friendship, I have felt and continue to feel it and, in simplicity and fraternally, I am thankful for it.

On my part, at this time, I only wish to reaffirm my firm wish to serve all, to be close to all, to love and, as far as possible, to nourish all the Brothers of the Fraternity as a mother loves and nourishes her son. It is also my firm resolve to work in communion and in close collaboration with the Brothers that the Chapter assigns to form part of the General Government. Finally, I am firmly convinced of the need to continue to animate the Order in continuity, as was asked during the first week of the Chapter, with what was done during the last six years so that we can live our gospel life in “creative fidelity” according to the “forma vitae” that St. Francis left us and that we took on through our profession.

I am aware of my limitations. Therefore, from this moment on, with great humility, “kissing your feet”, but also with great confidence, I ask you to help me through your understanding and fraternal collaboration. Brothers, count on me as I count on you.

Let us continue, dear Brothers, in this spirit of fraternity, open to the Spirit in order to allow ourselves to be lead by Him so that, faithful to Christ and to our vocation-mission, we may be equally faithful to present-day man, who expects so much of us, and especially to the poorest and most needy.

Peace and Good! Brothers.