On the 9th July the Minister General of the Friars Minor, Fr. Michael Anthony Perry OFM, wrote an encouraging letter to all the Franciscans currently working in the Apostolic Vicariates of Tripoli and Benghazi in Libya.

This is the full text of the letter of encouragement:

My dear brethren and missionaries in Libya,

May the Lord give you peace!

I am writing to you to reassure you of my prayer and the prayers of all the brothers of the General Definitorium and the Order, for your well-being, safety and that God will give you all spiritual blessings.

You are living in times and conditions that are most difficult, and yet by your faithful witness to the Gospel life, to peace and reconciliation and to the constant love of God, you give hope to the people of Libya.

I hope to come visit you sometime in the near future and to pray with you and with God’s people in the Church in Libya.  Until such time, know you remain in my daily prayers.  God be with you always!

Fraternally yours in Christ,

Bro. Michael A. Perry, ofm

Minister General and Servant