From November 22-24, 2022, the friars of the Provincial Delegation of Our Lady Help of Christians in Australia met in assembly at the St. Mary’s Towers Retreat Centre in Douglas Park, New South Wales, Australia.
Friar Paul LANGEVIN, the Minister Provincial of the Mother Province of St. Bonaventure in the USA guided the gathering. Fourteen friars were present including Friar Jude WINKLER, the Assistant General for the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF).
After discussions in small groups, the friars approved the mission statement of the Mother Province. They then discussed their Four-Year Plan, which emphasized the need for continuing formation (through the spiritual dimension of the House Chapter, study days—in person and through the Zoom Internet platform, annual retreats, etc. They hope to establish a volunteer program for young men interested in Church service. The friars would like to strengthen their relationship with other Jurisdictions in the area, especially Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
The Delegation will attempt to join with other Franciscan jurisdictions in Australia to celebrate the various centenaries that will take place over the next few years (as proposed in the Order’s Six-Year Plan). The friars also voted on their council which will assist their Delegate, Friar David BLOWEY, in the coming years. Friar Joseph NGUYỄN (Xuân Trường) and Friar Bernard FONKALSRUD were chosen. They also gave their opinion about the three friars of the Delegation who are to be approved as guardians by the Provincial Definitory. Finally, they discussed their concerns about various properties and buildings that need to be studied in the coming years.
Friar Jude WINKLER, Assistant General for the CFF Federation
[Original Source: https://www.ofmconv.net/en/australia-assemblea-della-delegazione/]