Some 1,800 Franciscan friars
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.
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!"