Fr. Raymond Falzon, writes to us about his latest Istanbul experience: “The Franciscan International Community of Istanbul, Turkey has been organizing an Annual On-Going Formation Program concerning Ecumenical and Inter-religious Dialogue since 2005 at St. Maria Draperis in Istanbul.

This year it was planned to happen between October14 -28.  The Minister Provincial approached me and offered me the opportunity to participate in this course. I was delighted and enthusiastic about it. Having an ad hoc experience with Friars who are already living Ecumenism and Dialogue, made this On- Going Formation Course very appealing.

This Dialogue would give me the opportunity to add to past experiences in Canada, within a multicultural city together with the impact of a variety of Faiths and Doctrines. My stay in Cairo and recently a few months in Ñazareth, are all part of an accumulated experience of Inter Faith exposure.

Arriving at Santa Maria Draperis in Istanbul, I knocked at the friary door, no one answered-a man, guarding the church, called a friar. I was welcomed and asked “Are you looking for a place to stay?”  My answer  to his question made the friar look at me twice . I said,” I am here for the On Going Formation Course”. His answer was more than a cold shower in a Turkish Hammam after the sauna, “ The Course has been cancelled”. I froze. Meanwhile, the Guardian came in. I was in shock. What will I do? Go back? I got in touch with the Minister Provincial, who answered back immediately leaving me free to take advantage of my stay here. The Guardian at some point exclaimed “O FELIX CULPA!”

It’s true, I did not attend an organized course in a group, but these two weeks gave me the opportunity to insert myself in a firsthand experience, within the daily life, challenges, vision, and the ups and down of this community. From the original community only one is left, the Guardian, Frere Eleuthere, from the Congo, a very practical, challenging person who is open to new opportunities. The pioneers moved on, Fra Reuben, a Mexican friar, was elected as Apostolic Vicar of Istanbul, though he continues to visit frequently for Mass and breakfast, walking in his sandals, and enjoying his bread with oil. Frere Gwenole’ in his 80’s has retired back to France. Fortunately, he just returned and will be staying for a couple of months. A man full of experience, writer of books, among them: Francesco E il Sultano and others.  The other friar, Frere Apollinaire who is Pastor at Izmir, but forms part of the community is the one who welcomed me. Frere Paschal from the Indian Province and Frere Pierre from the Congo were the two organizers of this year’s course, but both fell gravely ill, consequently the cancellation. Also, Fra Domenico , from the Korean Province, was part of the community but has been given another assignment from his Province. In reality, the guardian is alone, consequently his exclamation: O Felix CULPA!

The course had a programme to visit several sites in Istanbul.  While there, I tried to follow most of the proposed areas. Since I was not in a group I took it easily, some days I was visiting, others reading and doing some research. I did miss going to the planned visit of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. If organized again next year and given the opportunity, I would like to attend!

Another benefit from my stay, was the exchange of experience with local Friars, other religious and nuns. Twice I was given the opportunity to visit and celebrate mass, on the Island of Buyukada which brought me to another reality. This religious community can only celebrate mass twice a week. It takes over an hour and 15 minutes on a ferry to reach the community. It was pleasant, very welcoming and a joyful experience.

During my time there, a Meeting for religious men and women who are living in Turkey was held. The purpose of the meeting was to allow the religious men and women to express their thoughts and concerns on how they are feeling presently in Turkey.

The Spirit of Assisi Meeting 1986-2016, Assisi –Istanbul was another privilege I had. I attended this meeting, held on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Assisi Experience on Dialogue.

I would say that my personal meeting with the Bishop, Fra Reuben was a privilege. Our discussion was around our Franciscan Presence, the reality we are living, my Personal reality and experience in Istanbul. We spoke about the need of Discernment, he reminded me of the 12th Chapter of our Rule. It is not only the individual but also the Minister or others around you who contribute towards the discernment. The other issue discussed was formation: The Ongoing Formation in the Province, my contribution towards a formation program in the province on Encounter and Dialogue in our Ministry.

The Vision of Dialogue and Franciscan Presence, is the reason for this community in Istanbul. The way of life of the community is very basic and simple. The daily routine is the Morning Prayers and Mass, in Italian or French, breakfast together and then each committing themselves to the needs of the house, or meetings. Being there for each other is important. Lunch and recreation, evening prayers and dinner and time together mark daily life. Visiting friars who come and go is also part of the enrichment of being in the house.

The friars answered many questions and shared their experiences, even the friars who were visiting became a source of knowledge. Jokingly the Guardian used to tease with the words O FELIX CULPA! As they foresee next year, the course will be done in Italian and Spanish, and I was asked, if I could attend. The guardian teased and said; “now you can come as an expert”!
We sang the Magnificat at the end of Lunch, a Franciscan Saturday tradition to sing a hymn to Mary. Then I was on my way from St Maria Draperis Istanbul to Malta. On my way to the airport, I asked the Guardian whether I should tell the Provincial about any remuneration for my stay and the course “his answer was, “You are home with family here”!

I pray that this experience will guide me in my ministry in Malta and in the On Going Formation within our Province on Encounters and Dialogue with “THE OTHERS”, whoever they may be, or wherever it would be!

Fr. Raymond Falzon OFM”