Letter of P. Csiszér Elek OFM Minister Provincial to the Guardian of Marosvásárhely

Abstract

The reform initiative of the Transylvanian Franciscan Order dates back to 1879, the year of the ordination of our fellow monk Elek Csiszér. While experiencing the inner, loose monastic life, he asked for permission to go to a more austere community. He did not receive permission, but he did gain permission to live a more austere life. Along with some of his fellow friars, he began a reform. The reform was not implemented in one year – it is recorded that it took almost two decades to put the reform that involved the ministry of four provincials into practice. Prayer, the wearing of the habitus, fasting, money management and community life were common themes in the circulars.