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Franciscans Spread Good News in Asia View Comments
By Jack Wintz, O.F.M.

Father Matthew Purayidom, O.F.M.Conv., stands before the lovely Franciscan Retreat Center, operated by the Conventual friars in Karukutty, Kerala, in southern India.

AN OCTOBER 18-28, 2010, seminar on the Franciscan mission charism gathered 57 Franciscans from 14 countries in Karukutty, Kerala, India. This “Comprehensive Course” included presentations ranging from “The History of the Franciscan Movement” to “Encounter With Muslims.” During breaks, I interviewed separately the six Franciscans introduced below. But before introducing readers to them, I would like to recognize another Franciscan, Father Andreas Müller, O.F.M. Father Andreas, who lives in Würzburg, Germany, has been a key force behind the course. For many years, his program has helped numerous Franciscans around the world better understand the charisms or values that enrich their lives as missionaries.
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Jack Wintz, O.F.M., is senior editor of this publication and editor of Catholic Update. He is also author of Friar Jack’s E-spirations, a free e-newsletter accessible at http://www.FriarJack.org.

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