...For very many years now, our general council has benefited from annual meetings with the Definitory. To meet, even if the time is short and limited, and share our experiences and our searching is a mutual support. Comparing our ways of speaking of God today is source of enrichment. We drink from the same well, Francis, to say to every person and to the world that they are loved by God. To incarnate the Franciscan charism is, it seems to me, a faithfulness to the "treasure" that we carry in our hands and for which we are all responsible. We have specific but complementary ways of offering and sharing it with all those to whom we are sent. One same Spirit is at work in our lives and pushes us to exchange, leading us to discover the inestimable riches of otherness.

"Fraternity in mission" is the theme of your General Chapter. The celebration of the Ascension and of Pentecost at this time is a beautiful "divine harmony" (an expression dear to Mary of the Passion). These two feasts consecrate us as envoys, and as envoys in fraternity. At the Ascension, before rising to his Father, Christ confirmed his disciples in the mission that He entrusted to them and sent them to continue His Work, the desire of God for the world. At Pentecost, through the action of the Holy Spirit, their fear, their difference and their diversity became reciprocal covenant, communion, new life: that of fraternity in mission. The theme of your chapter challenges and stimulates us to seek how, according to the desire of May of the Passion, "to realise our vocation in the Franciscan way, living the Gospel in the middle of the world, following the poor and humble Christ, in simplicity, peace and joy." (FMM Constitutions, art. 5). Is not fraternity in mission, at the heart of our world of today marked by so many sufferings, the hope that announces God, Father-Son-Spirit? ...