| International Chapter of Mats Assisi, Italy |
Some 1,800 Franciscan friars from all over the world
converged on the Umbrian hill town of Assisi, Italy, to
celebrate the 800th anniversary of papal approval of the
Franciscan Rule... For the first time, representatives from
all the four main Franciscan branches met in Assisi, the
birthplace of their founder, St Francis, to take part in an
international Chapter of Mats April 15-18.
A Chapter of Mats gets its name from the time in 1221
when St. Francis called more than 3,000 friars to the
Portiuncula chapel of Assisi for a general meeting or
chapter. Because the small town could not accommodate
the large number of visitors, the friars lived in huts made
out of reeds and slept on mats.
converged on the Umbrian hill town of Assisi, Italy, to
celebrate the 800th anniversary of papal approval of the
Franciscan Rule... For the first time, representatives from
all the four main Franciscan branches met in Assisi, the
birthplace of their founder, St Francis, to take part in an
international Chapter of Mats April 15-18.
A Chapter of Mats gets its name from the time in 1221
when St. Francis called more than 3,000 friars to the
Portiuncula chapel of Assisi for a general meeting or
chapter. Because the small town could not accommodate
the large number of visitors, the friars lived in huts made
out of reeds and slept on mats.
Fr. Nick Mormando, OFM, Cap, shares with us this
unique experience:
"It wasn't until we had arrived in Assisi, after a long
days travel, that I realized that the Chapter of Mats we
would be attending was going to be an historic event.
Spending our first night in our friary in Assisi helped me
to make the transition from North Carolina to Assisi. I
knew I was grateful to be a participant and that gratitude
hasn't left me".
"One of my first impressions was seeing friars from
all four branches from all over the world. The ages
varied and it seemed that everyone was happy to be
there. Even though language was a barrier a smile
seemed to say it all"
"I was inspired by the talks given by Brs. Raniero
Cantalamessa, and Giacomo Bini. Although the other
talks given were very good it was these two talks that
impressed me and I find myself going back to them in my
quieter moments. They spoke of our life as friars and in
mission with a passion and enthusiasm that made you
want to give it all you had. I remember applauding and
saying, 'Thank you, Jesus"
"Assisi is a hard place to go to because it is a hard
place to leave. But I'm always open to having to do
another hard trip!"
unique experience:
"It wasn't until we had arrived in Assisi, after a long
days travel, that I realized that the Chapter of Mats we
would be attending was going to be an historic event.
Spending our first night in our friary in Assisi helped me
to make the transition from North Carolina to Assisi. I
knew I was grateful to be a participant and that gratitude
hasn't left me".
"One of my first impressions was seeing friars from
all four branches from all over the world. The ages
varied and it seemed that everyone was happy to be
there. Even though language was a barrier a smile
seemed to say it all"
"I was inspired by the talks given by Brs. Raniero
Cantalamessa, and Giacomo Bini. Although the other
talks given were very good it was these two talks that
impressed me and I find myself going back to them in my
quieter moments. They spoke of our life as friars and in
mission with a passion and enthusiasm that made you
want to give it all you had. I remember applauding and
saying, 'Thank you, Jesus"
"Assisi is a hard place to go to because it is a hard
place to leave. But I'm always open to having to do
another hard trip!"
