From the 27th - 29th September, all the Conventual Franciscan Friars from each of our national locations came together in Kellyville, NSW, to share in fraternity, prayer, news on ministries and studies, and some recreation. We were also very honoured to have the Bishop of Parramatta and our confrere Most Rev. Vincent Long OFM Conv. join us for the second day.
We were blessed with beautiful Spring weather, with the sun shining brightly most of the time we were there. Our Assembly took place at our 'Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents' and the 'Our Lady of Guadalupe Conference Room' under the chapel.
This time was a perfect opportunity for friars to catch up with one another, and for some of our newer international friars to meet others from the Delegation. It was wonderful to begin the Assembly with a day long retreat led by Fr. Carl Schafer OFM on the topic of 'Our Franciscan Experience and Theology of the Mercy of God'. Our second day was spent hearing about one-another's ministry experiences, parish updates, and explanations of Doctoral Theses being completed by three of our men.
It was a beautiful experience shared by all the friars, and we look forward to the next opportunity to do something like this again in the not-too-distant future.