Since the defintiory meeting in March, I have had a failed trip to Algeria (could not get a visa), followed by a meeting of CENOC in my home town of Dublin. It was a great occasion, hardworking but relaxed, with a nice trip around Dublin as well as a visit to the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People and to the Overseas Mission heritage centre in Church Street. A festive meal that evening, hosted by the Provincial Minister, Br. Terence, brought the meeting to a close.
March 30th saw me heading for Quebec, for the first time to the Capuchins in that part of the world. Evidence of winter was still around, low temperatures with the odd snow shower. It was a great trip, meant to help me to understand some of the issues which will surface at the Provincial Chapter in Late June. I look forward to going back to meet the friars again - and to higher temperatures!!
On 12 May I arrived back in Europe, to Salzburg in Austria, for the business chapter of the new province of Austria which was created just a year ago by joining the Provine of Vienna and the province of North Tyrol. Much progress has been made in the past year, with a great spirit of unity and fraternity among the friars who gathered in the Pallottinerhaus overlooking the beautiful city of Mozart. Work, weather, food , fraternity - all 10 out of 10.From Austria I went to the chapter in Holland, which began on Monday 19th of May. Twenty friars gathered in a former Capuchin theologate in the south of the country to talk about Capuchin life in that part of Europe and to elect new ministers. Discussions were serious but serene, and a new provincial team was elected this morning headed by the provincial minister Br. Piet Hein van der Veer.
Next week I will go to Great Britain to conduct a pastoral visitation of the province. I look forward to meeting the friars there.
