NEWS FROM THE FRIARY AT CANTERBURY

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SIDELIGHTS ON THE ARCHIVES OF THE PROVINCE

On Wednesday evening, 3rd March 2010, in a lecture room of the International Franciscan Study Centre, Fr Ninian Arbuckle, the Provincial Archivist, gave an illustrated talk entitled “THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY”, a mostly anecdotal account of the Friars Minor in Post-Reformation England as recorded in the OFM archives. There was a good turn-out of about 50 people to hear the light-hearted exposition of some curious sidelights on the lives of the friars in England through the centuries as he has discovered them in managing the archives. This was an additional item in the list of events celebrating the Eighth Centenary of the Franciscan Rule 1209-2009.

To read a summary of the talk click here

To view the illustrations of the archive contents click here

To read about all the events in the Eighth Centenary Celebrations click here

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A MIXED COMMUNITY AT DUNS SCOTUS HOUSE

: After Sunday Lunch: Br Benoit Dubigeon (Paris), Br Pius Jeun (Taiwan), Br Chris Leigh, Br Seamus, Br Jack O'Riordan (Ireland), Br David Collins (Ireland), Michael O'Grady.

: The formation community with the French Provincial Br Benoit and Br Joseph Nelson (Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, U.S.A.)

: Br Scratch takes a look at the snow outside and decides it is warmer indoors! He regularly attends both Mass and Morning and Evening Prayer with the House community.

"Duns Scotus" is a part of the O.F.M. Friary of St Mary of the Angels where those in formation live together with the Master of Post-Novitiate Formation, Br Seamus Mulholland (who is also the Guardian of the whole community), and occasional visitors.

This Formation Community at Canterbury was recently pleased to welcome Br. Benoit Dubigeon, the Minister Provincial of the Province of France (Paris) for three weeks while he was improving his English. Br. Benoit prayed with the community, washed up, said Mass, and took his turn cooking and cleaning! He also spoke to the friars in formation at the regular Wednesday Evening Formation Meeting on the subject of Vocations and Vocations Promotion [click here to read this]. He has invited the friars in formation to France to meet and dialogue with the French friars in formation.

Br Joseph Nelson from the USA (Province of our Lady of Guadalupe, Albuquerque) is currently on sabbatical at the Study Centre. Br Joe has also shared his many years of work with Latin American migrants with the friars in formation and celebrated Mass for them at the Wednesday Evening Formation meeting.

Br Seamus is a highly experienced martial artist with over 30 years' experience and teaches Martial Arts at the Study Centre. He has just received the singular privilege of being inducted into the Karate Black Belt Hall of Masters, receiving his plaque and Master's Ring.

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GREYFRIARS IS THE FOCUS OF A DAY-LONG CENTENARY CELEBRATION

The 10th September 2009 was a historical moment at Greyfriars as Franciscans from all parts commemorated the 800-year old history of the Order and then processed joyfully through the old town of Canterbury to the Cathedral. To read a full account with pictures click here.

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