From Wednesday afternoon, February 28, to Friday morning, March 1, 2024, the Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP) conducted its 132nd Ordinary General Assembly. The event took place at the Casa Leonori Hotel, located in the St. Mary of the Angels zone of Assisi. This Assembly also coincided with the second part of the 46th Ordinary General Assembly of the Union of the Conferences of Ministers Provincial of the Franciscan Family of Italy.
Those attending the FIMP Assembly included the Assistant General for the FIMP Federation, Friar Giovanni VOLTAN, and the Ministers Provincial, Custodes and Delegates of the Federation. The Assembly began with discussion on topics regarding initial formation, such as the conclusion of the post-novitiate program in Rivotorto and the next novitiate year at the Sacred Convent. Next, the friars discussed topics regarding continuing formation, such as preparing for imminent solemn profession (second novitiate) and the meeting of young friars who have been solemnly professed for one to five years. The friars also discussed matters regarding the Conference of the College of Pastors, the Franciscan Youth Center of Assisi and the Franciscan Missionary Center.
The Assembly examined the national assistance that the Federation provides to the Militia of the Immaculata and the Secular Franciscan Order in Italy. In particular, the Assembly appointed Friar Paolo CELLINI as the Conventual Franciscan National Spiritual Assistant for the Secular Franciscan Order in Italy.
Looking to the future, the Assembly discussed the next objectives of its fundraising project, which involves twelve Jurisdictions. It also went over the preparation process for the 2025 Ordinary General Chapter.
Finally, with the Procurator General present, Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO, the Assembly reviewed the document, “Guidelines for Protecting Minors and Vulnerable Persons from Sexual Abuse and Procedures to Be Followed in Case of an Allegation.”
On Thursday, February 29, the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, spoke at the FIMP Assembly. He had come to Assisi to conduct a canonical visitation to the Sacred Convent. That evening, he presided over Evening Prayer at the tomb of St. Francis for the entire Franciscan Family of Italy.
The next FIMP Ordinary General Assembly will be held in Turkey, on November 17-22, 2024.
Friar Marco BELLACHIOMA, FIMP Secretary
