Tenth Anniversary of the International Fraternity of Brussels

In the jubilee year of 2000 the International Fraternity, “Our Lady of the Nations”, was born in the convent of Chant d’Oiseau in Brussels, Belgium; its task was to provide immediate formation for missionaries who were being sent out into the missions of the Order. The current fraternity has wished to commemorate this event from March 6-7 by inviting former Minister General Giacomo Bini, who was behind its realization back then, and Br. Vincenzo Brocanelli, who was part of the first missionary formation team with other Friars from different cultural backgrounds. The new French missionaries preparing for different missions in Africa were also present. While Br. Giacomo presented the current spirit and vision of mission, Br. Vincenzo did a run-through history of the fraternity until 2005 when both the Capuchin and Conventual Friars joined in, so that today the fraternity is actually interfranciscan. All the Friars of the fraternity as well as the Poor Clares were present at the celebration of the 10th anniversary. Then, on Sunday morning, during a solemn Mass presided over by Br. Giacomo Bini, the new missionaries were presented to the Parish Community, who, in turn, is always welcoming, kind, and generous toward them. This 10th anniversary is also an occasion for doing an assessment – as requested by the General Chapter – in order to relaunch the fraternity at the service of the missions.