FRATRUM MINORUM - OFM

66 AN. CXXIV – JANUARII-APRILIS 2005 – FASC. I
uniformity but presupposes the existence of
differences. The contribution of the differences
bring about harmony.
In the afternoon the delegates were was
divided into three language work-groups
and addressed the following questions:
How do we feel about what has been
presented?
If new, how has it been?
What are the elements of dialogue up till
now?
In what sense and measure can these elements
of dialogue be applied to formation?
The fourth day was spent visiting the
Novitiate in Taejon city, about two hours’
drive south of Seoul. Mass was celebrated
in the Novitiate and lunch followed. A visit
was made to the House of Prayer, in a traditional
Korean house which had been relocated.
Day five began with an address by Prof.
Syed Farid Alatas, a professor of sociology
in the National University of Singapore. In
his presentation, he gave a historical and sociological
understanding on the present
state of Islam and, in particular, of her relationship
to Christianity and the Western
world.
He spoke of the need for dialogue and
proposed three themes to address this in a
structural way. The three elements are:
Need to understand the multi-cultural
origins of modern civilization.
Provide occasions of inter-religious encounters
(formal and informal).
To learn to appreciate the point of view
of the other.
This would then bring about mutual understanding,
sympathy and interest in each
other.
Dialogue with Prof Alatas followed after
a short break which resulted in much mutual
and respectful exchange.
Br. Alfons Suhardi, ofm, shared with the
council on a dialogue of life with Islam in
Indonesia. He spoke of the challenges and
difficulties of living in Indonesia within an
Islamic society at times. However, it is important
to continue the dialogue of life within
Indonesian society.
The afternoon was spent at the Chong-
dong theatre to take in more of the Korean
culture.
On Sunday, the group visited the Myongdong
Cathedral of Seoul and concelebrated
with the local parish. The afternoon
was spent visiting the different tourist attractions
of Seoul.
The second week of the council began
on Monday, 21 st February.
The theme of the second week was
“Translation of the elements of dialogue to
formation in the Order.”
The day began with the reports of the respective
Conferences of the Order, focusing
on the new elements of formation and on
the inter-cultural and inter-religious projects
which exist within each conference.
In the afternoon, there was work in language
groups discussing the following elements:
Group reaction to reports.
What element of dialogue emerge from
these reports?
How can we take up these elements for
programmes in formation and studies?
Day two began with the report by the
General Secretary for Formation and Studies,
Massimo Fusarelli, ofm, on the last two
years’ work.
In reflecting on the prophetic dimension
of our way of life, he spoke about dialogue
as leading to peace, as announcing the
Kingdom of God and as learning from the
poor. It is this attitude of dialogue which begins
the renewal of formation.
In this report, there was a self-evaluation
of the work done, which was followed by
comments and responses from the International
Council.
Group work in language groups followed
on the different proposals put forward
by the General Secretary.
Day three of the second week saw Br.
Gwenole Jeusset, ofm, share with us on the
Foundations of dialogue in a Franciscan
way and elements for formation to dialogue.
Gwenole address the topic of dialogue
with Islam from these perspectives:
Francis saw his meeting with the Sultan
as a meeting with a believer.