On October 6-10, 2025, the Minister General paid a fraternal visit to the friars of the Province of St. Paul the Apostle in Malta to preside over its Extraordinary Provincial Chapter.

During the week of meetings and reflections, the Minister General not only met with the friars but also with representatives from several non-profit organizations that collaborate with the Conventual Franciscans on various pastoral and social initiatives.
On Tuesday, October 7, a Mass organized by the Malta Community Chest Fund was celebrated in the chapel of the President of Malta’s official residence. Among those present were Her Excellency Mrs. Miriam Spiteri DEBONO, President of Malta, as well as several patients and their families to whom the friars had ministered in London during their pastoral visits to patients from Malta who were there for specialized medical treatment. After the Mass, a reception was held, allowing the patients and their families to meet both the President and the friars in a spirit of fraternity and joy.
During the event, the President expressed her sincere appreciation and gratitude for the special ministry carried out by the Conventual Franciscan friars in London, who have faithfully visited patients from Malta, and their families, for the past eleven years.
On Thursday, October 9, the Minister General participated in another event organized by the Karl Vella Foundation, an organization offering holistic support to children facing family challenges. Over the past two years, the friars have generously made the premises of their friary in Burmarrad available to the Foundation, thereby enabling it to continue its mission of compassion and care. The Foundation’s director and team of therapists talked to the Minister General and the friars about the work the Foundation does and highlighted how some of the friary’s spaces have been adapted for therapeutic use.
The Karl Vella Foundation expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Province of Malta, not only for the use of the Burmarrad friary, but also for the friars’ ongoing collaboration in emotional and spiritual support initiatives, including bereavement services.

Friar Mario SANT