News September 2002

The Franciscan Friars helped with financial assistance in the production of "The Garden Planet" a video highlighting environmental concerns.

As part of its committment to Peace Justice and the Integrity of Creation, the friars have initiated ST. FRANCIS EARTHCARE GRANTS to schools and praishes prepared to undertake Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation projects - further details on the "JPIC" page of this website.

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS OF FRIARS

The Guardians of the Province will gather in Melbourne from 16-19 September. Issues to be discussed include "Evangelisation", "The Serviice of Authority", Recollection days, and Franciscan liturgies.

The younger friars in Australia and New Zealand will gather at Anglesea, Victoria. Of special interest to them are their future ministries, prayer life in communnity, ways to support each other, and their life in a changing church.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Paul Booth and Matthew Hufer have returned from their Novitiate in Ireland, and were professed into the Order on 27th. August.

Norbert Pittorino has moved from Brisbane to Auckland to assist at the Mangare parish for a few months.

Simon Peter Bourke is in Rome for the Franciscan Challenge course conducted by the Irish friars.

Clifford Augustine has left for post graduate studies at the Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.

Peter Cantwell has returned from Ireland where he was Visitator-General, and in that capacity presided over the Provincial Chapter of the Irish Friars.

The Minister General recently visited the friars of Papua New Guinea. Paul Smith represented the friars of the Holy Spirit Province and accompanied Friar Giacomo in his meeting with friars, Poor Clares, Missionary Franciscan Sisters and Secular Franciscans.

The Provincial Minister, Stephen Bliss will visit Taipei, Taiwan , together with Paschal Chang to discuss the future of Asiana House, Ashfield (Sydney).

Emily Symons from the franciscan parish at Riverside (Tasmania) and Troy Hotchkis from Kedron parish (Brisbane) attended WORLD YOUTH DAY in Toronto, Canada, last month. On their return they spoke at Parish Eucharists about their pilgrimage.

Oliver Tham made his Solemn Profession in his home parish in Penang, Malaysia in July. Oliver has returned to Melbourne to complete his studies in nursing.

Bernie Thomas will be ordained priest on 19 October at St. Anthony Church, Mangere Bridge (New Zealand). He will continue to minister in the same parish.

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