The Order of Friars Minor elected on 13 July its new Minister General as the 121st successor of St. Francis. He will be the superior of more than 12,000 brothers all over the world. Massimo Fusarelli was elected for the sexennium 2021- 2027. He replaces Br Michael Anthony Perry from Indianapolis, USA, who was elected on 21 May 2015. The announcement was made by Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, designated by Pope Francis as Cardinal Delegate to preside over the OFM General Chapter 2021. Br Fusarelli was born on 30th March 1963, made his Solemn Profession on 30th July 1983 and belongs to the Province of Rome. He was General Secretary of Formation and Studies from 2003 to 2009. He was Provincial of the Province of St Bonaventure of the Friars Minor of Lazio-Abruzzo. The Christian Media Center recalls some moments of Br Michael Perry's visit to the Holy Land on the occasion of the Congress of Commissioners and the commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the arrival of the first Franciscans in the Middle East. The identity of the Custody of the Holy Land Br MICHAEL PERRY, ofm "I believe that today we live in a world of many changes, changes for the good and also for the bad: we have some changes that offer us the possibility to deepen the sense of our identity and belonging and also the orientation for the future and this touches the Custody at this moment: its own identity which is an evangelical, charismatic Franciscan identity. In the great challenges: "Do not be afraid, God is with you". Br MICHAEL PERRY, ofm "I believe that the permanence of the Friars Minor is a challenge for everyone and that this is, above all, our vocation in Syria today: to show that God has not abandoned his people." The 800th anniversary of St Francis' peace pilgrimage to Egypt Day of Prayer for the Holy Land - Oasis of Peace and Hope Br MICHAEL PERRY, ofm "It is important to emphasise that this mission has been renewed several times by different Popes, but what is even more important is to remember that the Places always have something to say to all humanity." Br MICHAEL PERRY, ofm "I thank again all the brothers serving in the Commissariats and all the brothers serving in the Holy Land. Know that you are not alone. The whole Order is present and prays with you. We are together and Christ is present. Let us thank God even at this difficult time for his love and his presence in our lives and in our world." The words of Br Massimo Fusarelli in the interview with Br Francesco Patton, Custos of the Holy Land We are with Brother Massimo Fusarelli, the newly elected Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor. The first thing we would like to ask you is: -What are the feelings that move within your heart after this election? Br MASSIMO FUSARELLI, ofm Minister General of the Friars Minor "The first feeling is one of fear and vertigo in the face of what is being asked of me and also in the face of an awareness of my weakness, my limits and the burden that is heavy. On the other hand, however, once the election was made and I saw the trust of the brothers and received their embrace, a sense of peace and trust came over me. I hope that this will grow as abandonment to the Lord, knowing that I am not carrying this burden alone." Br MASSIMO FUSARELLI, ofm Minister General of the Friars Minor "Starting from the unbranded rule, which is now 800 years old, I believe that the first challenge is to keep the rule, that is, the Gospel and life together, and not to affirm one without the other. And from life to return to the Gospel. So this also means giving greater depth, greater reality. What St Francis calls the spirit of adoration and devotion that is nourished by prayerful listening to the Gospel. And surely another challenge for us is to continue to grow in thinking globally as an order while acting locally, each in his own reality." Br MASSIMO FUSARELLI, ofm Minister General of the Friars Minor "The first word I say to the friars and to the Christians and the people who live in the Holy Land is thanks for being there, for staying, and for remaining as Franciscans as we have been for 800 years, and especially as Christians." The second word I want to say is a word of encouragement to stay in a difficult situation. Those who live in the Holy Land are used to it, and becoming more and more a sign as St Francis of Assisi wished. A sign of encounter, of dialogue. A sign also of this continuous presence of prayer, of praise and of welcoming pilgrims, especially in the Sanctuaries. And then a third word is of thanks and encouragement to live the educational mission of the Custody, in schools, in parishes. I think also of the Studium Biblicum Francescanum, the schools and colleges that the Custody manages. And then the fourth word I say to myself and to the Order. We want, I want to continue to take special care of the Holy Land. We want to do it as an Order, clearly inviting and encouraging the friars of the Order to give time of their lives for this special and unique presence. I am certain that this requires even greater commitment and even greater joy in being there and continuing to serve those places. Read More