Provincial Letter- Winter 2006

Dear Friars,

Peace and Good Things!��������

By the time this newsletter reaches you, it will be over a month since the end of our Provincial Chapter.� Our gathering at San Pedro Spiritual Center was a truly fraternal event, bringing over half of the Province together to help set the direction and goals for the next four years.� It was a time marked by beautiful and uplifting moments of prayer, wonderful times of gathering with the friars, good food, and lots of laughter and lively conversation and discussion.

As the events of the week unfolded and proposed resolutions came up for discussion, it became evident that there are those among us who are willing to step out in faith in areas that may be new and different for us, and those who fear stepping out too far or too quickly, lest we lose or confuse our identity.� However, it likewise became evident to me�and I suspect to others�that if we are to continue to exist with vitality and have something to offer the Church, we need to work together, sensitive to each other�s views, willing to support one another, and able to challenge one another.

At Mass on the last day of the Chapter, the reading from the Hebrew Testament recounted the story of Israel�s defeat at the hands of the Philistines and the capture of the Ark of God.� In the end, the Scripture says, ��Israel was defeated and each man fled to his own tent.�� That line remained in my mind as we were preparing to bring our Chapter to a close.� How often that has been our experience.� We come together for a Chapter or assembly or some other gathering filled with hopes and dreams for the future.� We generate some ideas that stir excitement and create momentum.� And then each of us returns to his friary to business as usual.� It cannot be that way; all of us�young or old, active or retired�must be committed to giving flesh to the resolutions and direction of this Chapter.

Next month, March 20^th through March 23^rd, the Provincial Council, along with the Minister General�s delegate, Fr. Michael Higgins, will gather for the Provincial Congregation.� It will be our task to begin to respond to the resolutions and recommendations of the Chapter and to form the religious families that make up the Province.� May the approaching Season of Lent, with its call to conversion and fidelity to the Gospel, inspire us to greater generosity and cooperation as we move into the future together.

Fraternally in St. Francis,

������������������������������������� (Very Reverend) Anthony M. Criscitelli, TOR
Minister Provincial

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Delegates to the 2006 Provincial Chapter, San Pedro Spiritual Development Center, January 2006

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Life does go on after service as a Minister Provincial!�From left to right:� Very Rev. William Santre; Very Rev. Eugene Kubina; Very Rev. Emile Gentile;� Very Rev. Anthony Criscitelli; Very Rev. Giles Schinelli;� Very Rev. Robert D�Aversa

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