Victor Ayala

Brother Victor Ayala, FCR, a member of the Franciscan Community of Reconciliation and a parishioner of Holy Innocents parish is seen here visiting Assisi, Italy. Brother Victor is attending the Centro Pro Unione (Pro Union Center).  Centro Pro Unione is  an ecumenical and interreligious research and action center based in Rome, Italy, which is a ministry of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. Brother Victor is taking a course, “Ecumenical and Interreligious Movements” that offers a historical and theological overview of the issues that divide Christians as well as the bonds that unite them. The program also explores relations with other religious traditions. Prior to attending the course Brother read materials dealing with the founder of the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, Saint Carlos Duarte Costa. One of the highlights of his journey, was attending a mass celebrated by Pope Francis. Prior to his trip he also met with Bishop Francisco Betancourt, FCR, the Minister General of the FCR, to discuss other religions and with Father Dante Tarantini, FCR to brush up on his Italian, both are co-pastors of Holy Innocents. This is the first time a member of the FCR has visited Assisi.