Between March and April of 2026, after years of being suspended, the Mission Days event was reintroduced to various parish and shrine churches across Italy, particularly churches run by the Conventual Franciscan friars. The Mission Days event was organized by the Franciscan Missionary Center of the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP). Its Director, Friar Lucian-Mihai BOBÂRNAC, chose the Italian Region of Molise region as his first destination. He visited it in two separate stages, going first to the Italian Province of Isernia and then to the town of Campobasso, Italy.
On March 21-22, Friar Lucian-Mihai visited the Basilica of the Holy Martyrs Nicandro, Marciano, and Daria in Venafro, Province of Isernia, Italy. This complex had been run by the Capuchin Franciscans for five hundred years, until 2024, when it was entrusted to the Conventual Franciscans of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania. The relics of the saints to whom the Shrine is dedicated are preserved there. The Shrine is much venerated by the people of Venafro as well as the entire Diocese of Isernia. In fact, the three holy martyrs are the patron saints of the diocese. The presence of the Conventual Franciscan friars has given renewed hope to the many faithful at the Shrine. They had feared the friary might close when, in 1923, the Capuchins announced their decision to depart this historic site. Now, there are four friars from Romania stationed there. Each has his specific role, and each brings his own human and fraternal richness to the entire community. The Guardian, Friar Augustin VEREȘ, was immediately enthusiastic about reinstating the Mission Days. He welcomed Friar Lucian-Mihai along with his fellow friars, during the Masses on Saturday and Sunday, which were attended by faithful of all ages: adults, youth, and children.
On April 25-26, Friar Lucian-Mihai stopped at the Parish Church of St. Peter in Campobasso, which was entrusted to the Conventual Franciscans of Romania on August 11, 2006. The community currently has five friars (four priests and one religious brother). The young friars provide pastoral care to the people of God. The Guardian and Pastor, Friar Florin-Gheorghiță BOGDAN, together with the entire community, warmly welcomed Friar Lucian-Mihai’s proposal to reinstate the Mission Days event, and gave him the opportunity to meet the parishioners at all the Masses. Friar Lucian-Mihai talked to the faithful about the Conventual Franciscan missions and the work done by the missionary friars. He looked forward to returning with a well-defined project for one of the missions.
During the liturgies at both places, Friar Lucian-Mihai emphasized the theme of mission as the Church’s universal vocation. He reminded everyone that every believer is called to witness to the Gospel—not just in distant lands, but in everyday life. This initiative successfully brought together faith, witness, and sharing. It invited the faithful to reflect upon and to be open to the Conventual Franciscan missions around the world.
In addition to the liturgies, there was an exhibition of missionary objects that attracted a great deal of interest. The display offered visitors a true journey through different cultures and traditions. Traditional clothing and handcrafted items told the story of the communities the missionaries had encountered. Each item carried a story, a face, and an experience of encounter and service.
The Mission Days event left a lasting impression on the hearts of the participants. It reminded everyone that mission is a shared journey of faith, encounter, and love for others. It called upon the faithful to support the missions through prayer, solidarity, and, when possible, concrete action.
The Mission Days event was part of the Missionary Center’s goal of spreading the message of mission, reaching new benefactors, and making known the work of the Center and the Conventual Franciscan missions founded in forty countries around the world.
Friar Lucian-Mihai BOBÂRNAC
