Br. Massimo Fusarelli is the 121st successor of St. Francis of Assisi. The new Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor was finishing high school in his native Rome when he decided to become a Franciscan and, like St. Francis, place his life at the service of God and people in need.
BR. MASSIMO FUSARELLI
Minister General, Order of Friars Minor
“I was very young, 19 years old, and I didn't understand everything. Rather, I understood very little, but it was like a fire started to burn inside me, a flame that's still there today, even if it's been completely transformed. I heard God's call at the beginning, certainly, but I prefer to point out that I still hear it today.”
For the next six years his responsibilities will include overseeing the work of the Franciscan Friars Minor, who are present in Asia, Africa, Oceania, Europe and the Americas.
He says one of his top priorities is to renew the Order's mission of fraternally living out the Gospel. He wants to encourage friars all over the world to always look for God in whatever context or culture they find themselves, even in particularly challenging situations like the Covid-19 pandemic.
BR. MASSIMO FUSARELLI
Minister General, Order of Friars Minor
“India was and continues to be hit especially hard by the pandemic. Some of our brothers, who were very young, died because they were among the people. Every convent in India has found a way to help the people: food aid, listening, healthcare. They try to use what little they have, to do as much as they can for the people. The Provincial told me, 'We didn't want to shut down in this situation, but rather, open ourselves.'”
Like his fellow friars in India, Br. Massimo feels most at home when he's out in the community. And although he's not the biggest fan of the administrative tasks that come with his leadership position, he sees his new role as an opportunity to live out his vocation in a different way.
BR. MASSIMO FUSARELLI
Minister General, Order of Friars Minor
“I'll be able to meet people all over the world. And I hope always to keep my eyes, heart and mind open, to be able to listen, recognize and take upon myself people's many worries, hopes, joys and suffering. I hope I don't lose this connection, also because I'd like to go back to being among the people after I finish this service.”
It's thanks to this spirit of service that the mission St. Francis began in Assisi more than 800 years ago remains alive today. And not only in this small Italian town, but all over the world.
CT
Capitolo Generale OFM 2021
