Pope’s message to Franciscan Festival in Italy

Rimini, Italy, 28 September 2013: Pope Francis has greeted the Italian Franciscans on the occasion of the 5^th edition of Franciscan Festival, celebrated in Rimini, the Italian capital of tourism, from September 27-29. The Italian Franciscans devote the current edition of their festival to the theme of travel to commemorate the journeys of St. Francis in Romanga some 800 years ago. It is also an occasion to talk about the journey as a metaphor for the existential condition of every man and every woman.
The message signed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State and addressed to Bishop Francesco Lambiasi, the Bishop of Rimini, was read during the inaugural ceremony of the Festival.

In his message, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the initiative that intends to bring the Franciscan charism in the streets and among the people. The Pontiff called for more and more full adherence to the spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi, a living icon of Christ the Lord, and generous witness to the Gospel continually supported by his sincere brotherly love. He also asked them to pray for him and for his universal ministry, expectations and intentions entrusted to maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope then imparted his apostolic blessings to the bishop, the Franciscan movement in Emilia Romagna initiative, the brothers and sisters and to all the participants.

The Festival has over one hundred activities for adults and children which dealt with individual and communal journey towards God and one another. These activities dealt with Franciscans’ spiritual goals and proposed new forms of life. Source: VR Sedoc