The Renewal of the Franciscan Spirituality after the Reform of the Observance

Abstract

In my presentation at the conference entitled In the Spiritual Heritage of Sándor Bálint – 120 Years Since the Birth of Sándor Bálint, held on 15 October 2024 at Gál Ferenc University, I attempted—without claiming completeness—to present the spiritual and devotional transformation that took place during the childhood of Sándor Bálint in the Szeged-Alsóváros district. This neighborhood, with its popular and religious values, traditions, and distinctive 'ö'-dialect, remained a foundational reference point for Bálint throughout his life. We can speak of an identity-based renewal of the Franciscan community during the first decades of the 20th century—one whose values and spirituality fundamentally shaped the spiritual disposition of Sándor Bálint himself.

I assume that the guidelines set out in the papal bull "Felicitate quadam", issued by Pope Leo XIII, did not affect only the male branch of the Franciscan First Order. I believe that Leo's union can also be seen as the starting point for a broader spiritual renewal that extended to parish communities in the wider sense.

The primary sources of my research include the publications and circulars issued by the Franciscan province, the provincial Tabulae, the Historia Domus of the Szeged monastery, and its periodical, Szegedi Havi Boldogasszony.