On November 12-17, 2023, the Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP) conducted its 131st Ordinary General Assembly. The event took place at the Provincial Curia of the Province of St. Bernardine and St. Angelo in Italy (Abruzzo-Molise), located at the Sant’Antonio Friary in Pescara, Italy. Those participating included the Ministers Provincial and Custodes of the FIMP Federation as well as the FIMP Assistant General, Friar Giovanni VOLTAN.
Before beginning the work of the Assembly, the friars celebrated Mass presided over by the Most Reverend Tommaso VALENTINETTI, Archbishop of Pescara-Penne, Italy. After the Mass, they engaged in a few hours of spiritual retreat, personal meditation and Eucharistic Adoration.
In the days that followed, the Assembly considered all the topics on the meeting agenda, starting with initial formation, in particular, the common path of the three postulancy houses in Italy, the novitiate in Assisi, and the St. Anthony, Doctor Post-Novitiate House in Padua along with the Seraphicum Post-Novitiate House in Rome, whose Rectors, Friar Alessandro ZOTTAREL and Friar Adam MĄCZKA, were also present. In addition, the Assembly reviewed the preparatory program for those about to make their solemn profession (second novitiate); the 2023 World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal; the College of Parish Priests; the process for fund raising; the course for Economs of the FIMP Federation; the General Visitations to various FIMP Jurisdictions; the Franciscan Centenary; the Franciscan Youth Center of Assisi; and the appointment of Friar Giuseppe ALTIZII as the National Assistant for Franciscan Youth in Italy.
In the early afternoon of Wednesday, November 15, all of the members of the Federation participated in an online meeting with the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, who was in the Province of Indonesia for the celebration of its Provincial Chapter. The participants reflected on the goals that had been recently achieved in that area of the Order, and also mapped out future goals.
The meeting agenda also allowed for two outings. One was to the city of Pescara, which included visits to the birthplace of Gabriele D’ANNUNZIO [famed Italian poet and playwright], the Museum of the 19th Century, and the San Cetteo Cathedral. The other outing was to the Shrine of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, Italy.
We thank the friars of Abruzzo with great fraternal affection for the welcome they gave to all the Ministers Provincial and Custodes, and for the attentive service they provided during the Assembly.
Friar Marco BELLACHIOMA, FIMP Secretary
