The last issue of S+L for 2024 features one paper entitled “Authority and Service in Franciscan Life.” The 150th issue of the Franciscan on-line Review, which was founded way back in 1986, will usher a new way of presenting Franciscan themes. From now onwards the Review will feature just one paper on a specific theme. The aim is that of strengthening its capability of providing an instrument for ongoing formation in Franciscan life. Given the changed circumstances of a reduced number of brothers in the Maltese OFM entity, we think it is the best solution in order to continue being of service to the Franciscan family in our limited circumstances. Authority and service in Franciscan life are one of the themes which were dear to the heart of St. Francis, since it was he who wanted his brothers to be called “ministers” and not “priors”, and who wanted the Order to be known as an Order of friars minor. The paper concludes with some practical indications of various styles of ministry in the Franciscan family of brothers, particularly regarding the role of the Guardian.
by Noel Muscat, ofm
Franciscan Studies 