I am happy to be back in Philadelphia. I was elected as a delegate to the General Chapter of the Capuchin Order, a three week meeting. I was with 172 friars from all over the world. There are Capuchins in 104 countries, I returned to Philadelphia on September 16.
I want to share one memory from my last week at the Chapter. I moved among the friars at meals, sitting with Indians at one meal, Africans at another, Indonesians and others. Although the friars do not stay strictly in their continental groups, there is a human tendency to be with people who speak your language and understand your culture. I deliberately was with different groups of friars at each meal.
I sat a few times with friars from Eastern Europe, despite a difficult language divide. One of my most memorable meals was with a friar from Ukraine. Thankfully, there was with us a Polish friar who spoke English and could translate for us.
The friar lives in Eastern Ukraine, not far from the war and he lives in danger of being killed by bombs at any moment. He spoke humbly, but I was thrilled and shamed by his courage and the courage of the other friars in Ukraine. When the war began, the friars were offered the opportunity to leave, and none left.
The friars in Ukraine are staying with their people, sharing their hardships, facing danger, fearful of what may happen if Russia wins the war. The friar told me that Catholics from around the world are providing humanitarian assistance and that the Catholic Church has a reputation now for giving food and other necessities to the war--weary and suffering people. The friars have a special program to accompany mothers who have had a child killed in the war.
In my Saint John’s bulletin column two weeks ago, I quoted Pope Francis’ words to the Capuchin Order. When we met with the Holy Father, he said to us, “As Capuchins, you are known for being ready to go where no one else wants to go”. I was proud to listen to that holy friar who fulfills those words of Pope Francis.
There were Ukrainian friars in Russia before the war and they had to flee back to Ukraine, but they were replaced by friars from Poland and the Czech Republic. Dedicated Capuchins won’t leave their people.
One evening we had an optional listening session with friars in particularly difficult and dangerous situations. We heard from friars from Pakistan, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Eritrea and Congo.
I am back in Philadelphia, not in Ukraine, not in Lebanon, not in Russia, not in Congo or any of the other dangerous places where Capuchins live the Gospel life. But I am resolved to be as generous and holy as I can where God has placed me.
Let’s all work together to make Saint John Church a community of love and service, where people pray and then go out to bring peace in the name of Christ.
And remember the good work of the Catholic Church throughout the world when there is a second collection for the Church’s international mission and charitable work. I am proud of all the good that the Catholic Church does as it accompanies people in difficult places.
