The publication of the 400th issue of the “Bulletin of International Capuchin Information” (BICI) marks a moment of celebration and reflection for the Order. For more than half a century, BICI has been a pillar of community life, uniting, through communication, the brothers spread throughout the world. This extraordinary milestone invites us to retrace the history of a publication born from a prophetic vision and nourished by a constant commitment to fraternity.
From Reflection to Birth: the background
The history of BICI is rooted in the profound changes of the 20th century, in particular in the spirit of renewal of the Second Vatican Council. The Council Decree Inter Mirifica (1963) recognised the crucial role of modern media in the life of the Church, urging the use of these instruments for evangelisation and internal communion. This document, prophetic for its time, was the catalyst for a reflection that extended to all religious institutes, including the Capuchins.
The need for a communication body was strongly manifested at the Extraordinary General Chapter of 1968. The brothers felt there was a lack of communication among the provinces, pastoral work and missions of the Order. The absence of a ‘communication centre’ to share news and create a sense of unity was an obstacle in a constantly changing world. This discussion, combined with the overall reflection of the General Chapter, led to the inclusion of a specific article on social communications in the renewed Constitutions of the Order: it was a revolutionary step that recognised the importance of the media in uniting, informing and supporting the brothers around the world.
As already mentioned, at the Extraordinary General Chapter, the brothers openly addressed this issue. They perceived a serious lack of regular communication among the different Circumscriptions and presences around the world, recognising that the fraternity should not continue without a means of connection to nourish it in modern times. They discussed the need for a central communication body to collect and disseminate news, with the aim of “creating understanding and sympathy through communication”, essential elements for a feeling of family.
The proposal to establish a permanent communications office in Rome was initially ambitious and encountered practical difficulties, mainly in finding suitable brothers. Therefore, in 1970, a pragmatic solution was opted for: to create a small office that would work together with the editorial staff of Analecta OFMCap, to produce a bulletin in the vernacular language, that was more accessible and fraternal.
The Birth of BICI
The decision was made to create an Information Office and a Bulletin. It was initially called Periodici informationis internationalis. The bulletin was created with the intention of communicating institutional, pastoral and charismatic events in simple and accessible language. The first issue, published in January 1971, was conceived as a “link connecting all the brothers of the Order”, as a tool for better mutual understanding.
At the beginning, due to staffing difficulties, the bulletin was edited in French, in Rome, and then translated partly at the General Curia and partly locally in the different Conferences. In September 1971 it took on its definitive name, “Bulletin of International Capuchin Information“, with the acronym BICI, which has made it a point of reference for the brothers all over the world to this day.
Resilience and the Digital Switchover
The following years were not without obstacles. A crisis between 1981 and 1982 threatened the continuity of BICI, due to lack of news and poor cooperation. The then General Minister, Br. Flavio Roberto Carraro, tackled the situation decisively by launching a global survey. The response from the brothers was unanimous: BICI was vital to nourish a sense of belonging and communion. This boost of confidence was the catalyst for a renewal that strengthened the mission of the bulletin.
With the advent of the digital age, BICI has adapted to remain an effective communication vehicle. The definitive switch to the digital format took place in 2007, on the occasion of the 200th issue. This choice, made after careful consideration, responded to the growing need for speed and connectivity. Today, BICI is no longer just a collection of news, but an all-in-one multimedia using video, audio and photos to tell the story of the Order’s life in an increasingly interconnected world.
A Future of Fraternity
The 400th issue of BICI is not only a publishing milestone, but a symbol of perseverance and dedication. Its history shows that fraternal communication is an essential element of religious life in this interconnected world. This bulletin is a bridge that unites the different expressions of the Capuchin charism, a “sounding board” – as the General Minister Br Flavio Roberto Carraro used to say – which gives voice to the experiences of renewal and bears witness to the vitality of the Order. Its success continues to depend on the joyful and responsible collaboration of all the brothers. We hope that BICI will continue to be a point of reference that unites, informs and inspires the brothers throughout the world.
We thank all the brothers and particularly the Office of Communication, who, over these 54 years of history, have given their service to bring the Bulletin to life.