THE LOGO FOR THE 2019 ORDINARY GENERAL CHAPTER celebrates the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ mission to the Near East and his meeting with the sultan. The logo’s background features the sun, warm colors and a mosque, recalling what the Seraphic Father experienced in his desire to bring the Gospel to the ends of the world.
At the center of the artwork, one sees the Word of God, which men can only accept through the power of the Holy Spirit, seen here represented by a dove. Without openness to the transcendent, dialogue becomes difficult and the Book of Scripture cannot be proclaimed or incarnated in our world full of people with different cultures and religions
Finally, Brother Leo is seen behind Friar Francis. Here, Leo symbolizes the future of the Order, an Order attuned to its founding charism and ready with open arms to welcome all men as brothers, beyond any social or cultural differences.
All this indicates the path that the Ordinary General Chapter wishes to undertake. Starting by listening to the Gospel and recalling the experience of St. Francis, the friars commit themselves to dialogue by proclaiming the Good News in every human setting.
Friar Paolo M. BOCCI
