On April 28th, the International Meeting of Lay Brothers of our Order, requested by the last General Chapter, opened in Assisi.
After two years of preparation worldwide at the Conference level, elected representatives from each Conference gathered in Assisi to discuss themes of Fraternity and Minority, Mission and Evangelization, and Formation and Studies.
The Meeting’s work, in the presence of the Minister General, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, and General Definitory, was inaugurated by Br. Joaquín Echeverry, General Definitor, while the theme of Fraternity and Minority was introduced by Br. Keith Warner. Discussion continued in the assembly and in language groups.
The day concluded with the celebration of Holy Mass in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, presided over by the Vicar General, Br. Ignacio Ceja.
On the 29th, the day began with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by the General Definitor Fr. John Wong, in the Chapel of Saint Catherine of the Basilica of Saint Francis. Later at Saint Mary of the Angels, the meeting continued with a conference given by the General Animator for Missions, Fr. Dennis Tayo, who spoke about the vital evangelizing mission of lay brothers today, emphasizing that lay brothers are a testimony of the Gospel lived in fraternity, humility and service. In the afternoon, the brothers gathered in the classroom for group work.
The meeting will conclude on May 2nd.
Br. Joaquín Echeverry's Speech: Italiano - English - Español
Br. Ignacio Ceja Jiménez's Homily: Italiano - English - Español
