During June and July of 2023, the Franciscan Missionary Center of the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP) once again set up its summertime exhibition booth on the banks of the Tiber River for the yearly event called, “Along the Tiber: Rome—A River of Culture”
The Missionary Center has operated a booth there since 2014. Although it paused for the pandemic, this singular initiative has helped to strengthen the identity of the Missionary Center. The Center has found a way to spend time with the people of Rome’s nightlife, teaching thousands of visitors about our Conventual missionaries around the world.
Each summer, more than two million visitors pass along the two-kilometer (1.25 mile) stretch of river walk, which is lined with sixty exhibition booths and fifteen themed restaurants. A multitude of people stroll along the towering walls of the Tiber, which are decorated with lights and colors, to enjoy the cultural, recreational and religious presentations the event offers.
The La Vela d’Oro Cultural Association, the Region of Lazio and the City of Rome hosted the event under the slogan: “Let’s give a humanitarian, social and spiritual face to Rome’s summer on the Tiber.” Thus, they deemed it fitting to grant a free exhibition booth to the Conventual Franciscans, who have become partners in the event and thus are able to experience some happy and healthy times with the people.
There were many long conversations at the missionary booth; people made requests and asked existential questions. There was much volunteering and work done. Even confessions were heard. Thousands of leaflets were distributed explaining the missionary activities and initiatives of the Center and what life was like in the countries where the Conventual Franciscan missionaries work. In addition, a video was shown explaining why the friars had established certain presences.
Carrying out a “mission possible” with Franciscan cheer is what underlies our giving witness and proclaiming the Gospel. It is in line with that “Church that goes forth,” as promoted by Pope Francis, who encourages believers to go out to the places where people need human and spiritual nourishment.
The Missionary Center has heard the Pope’s appeal. The many evenings it has spent along the banks of the Tiber have contributed to giving a new face to a missionary Church that is on the move, even as the human river of nightlife moves noisily down the river walk and sister water flows silently towards the sea.
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO, Director of the Missionary Center
