Celebrating 800 Years of Franciscans in the British Isles

This peer reviewed anniversary volume offers a contribution to the wider anniversary celebrations taking place throughout the Franciscan world from 2023 to 2026. In the many diverse chapters we learn about the great successes and celebrations of the Franciscan mission, as well as the hardships and adverse circumstances endured by men and women of faith in their endeavour to follow the Gospel Christ. The tremendous contribution of Franciscan saints and scholars — so many of whom hailed from these shores — to the intellectual and spiritual tradition of the Franciscan School, is also explored, as is the charism’s contemporary relevance.

The world-wide Franciscan family is celebrating 800 years since the final phase of St Francis’ life, a very intense time during which we see St Francis grow into his full stature, both as a man and as a Christian. It is not by chance that the first Franciscan mission to England took place in 1224 or that it falls exactly within this unique period in the life of the Poverello. It marked the beginning of a period of great growth and influence for the Order in this country. The Franciscan brothers were able to establish an enduring presence, contributing significantly to the religious, intellectual and social life of mediaeval England. To commemorate 800 years since the arrival of the Friars Minor in England just when we are celebrating the Franciscan Centenary, shows us once again the light and the power of that Centenary. The memory of Father Eric Doyle OFM, on the fortieth anniversary of his death, makes this publication even more significant. I sincerely hope that it will provide an opportunity to revisit these events and also, in the light of a master of the calibre of Father Eric, rediscover their message and inspiration for our own time. This inspiration is truly different and new but it awaits a new breath of life and hope.

From the Foreword by Fr Massimo Fusarelli OFM, General Minister

From time to time the Lord raises up a prophet in our midst. I feel that Eric was such a person — he was truly God’s spokesperson. He combined deep learning with a wide vision. He conveyed the message with irrepressible humour and huge enthusiasm. At the same time his Franciscan spirituality permeated his whole thinking. It seems so appropriate, therefore, that these essays celebrating 800 years of Franciscans in the British Isles should be in his honour. I feel sure this collection of outstanding and wide-ranging essays will bring inspiration and new insights in the present as much as in the past.

Rt Rev. Thomas McMahon, Bishop Emeritus of Brentwood