On March 10-14, 2025, the newly formed Italian Province of the Immaculate Conception (Sicily-Calabria) celebrated the first part of its Ordinary Provincial Chapter. The event took place at the Kolbe Center in Carini (Palermo, Sicily), Italy.
The Chapter was preceded by a reflection on the theme: “Behold, I Make All Things New” (Rev 21:5), offered by the biblical scholar Rosanna VIRGILI from the Italian Region of the Marches, who invited us to see that God is already working in our present. Therefore, we should live the today of our history with trust and hope.
In the afternoon of March 10, the work of the Chapter began, presided over by the Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI. Also present was the Assistant General for the Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP), Friar Giovanni VOLTAN, and twenty-four Capitulars.
First there was the presentation of the Summary Document from the Pre-Chapter Assembly (February 3-4, 2025) where the friars heard reports from the Minister Provincial, Friar Gaspare LA BARBERA, the General Visitator, Friar Emil KUMKA and the Provincial Econom, Friar Saverio BENENATI. Next, the Capitulars discussed each of the topics contained in the document, and time was given to some additional input from the Minister Provincial and the Provincial Econom.
The discussion was constructive and characterized by fraternal dialogue and the search for the common good. The Capitulars discussed the positive and problematic aspects of each topic. Finally, on the last day, proposals were put forward for the future path of the Province. The results of the work were summarized in a document that will help the new Provincial Definitory draft the Instrumentum laboris for the second part of the Chapter.
On Thursday, March 13, the other solemnly professed friars of the Province gathered for the election of the Minister Provincial, which took place in person. The voting resulted in the election of Friar Salvatore M. PULIZZOTTO to his first term as Minister Provincial.
During lunch, Friars Giuseppe FANARA, Stefano LUPO and Diego CICCARELLI were remembered on the 60th anniversary of their priestly ordination, as was Friar Massimiliano GANGI DINO (a friar from Sicily who is a member of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico) and Friar Francesco AMATO (who returned to the house of the Father).
The election of the Definitors took place on Friday, March 14. The newly elected are: Friar Rocco PREDOTI, Vicar Provincial (second term); Friar Antonio M. PARISI, Definitor (first term); Friar Giorgio TASSONE, Definitor (first term), Friar Rosario TERRANOVA, Definitor (second term); and Friar Diego CANINO Definitor (first term).
The Chapter concluded with some uplifting words of thanks from the Minister General to the friars of the outgoing Definitory, for their service, and to all the friars of the Province engaged in various services to the Order and the FIMP Federation.
Finally, the Minister Provincial expressed his heartfelt gratitude. There was a round of applause from all the Capitulars for the fatherly and fraternal presence of the Minister General and the Assistant General, in particular for the careful and discreet way they led the Chapter proceedings.
Finally, the Minister General expressed his wish that the new Definitory, and all the friars, focus on the foundational value of fraternity in order be impactful and credible in today’s world.
Friar Antonio M. PARISI, Chapter Secretary
