On September 15-19, 2025, the friars of the Province of St. Jerome in Croatia took part in a week of continuing formation at the friary in Camposampiero, Italy, a presence of the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua (Northern Italy). Thirteen friars attended the event, which was led by the Vicar Provincial and Director of Continuing Formation, Friar Martin JAKOVIĆ. The Minister Provincial, Friar Miljenko HONTIĆ, was also present.
The program for the week was inspired by the great anniversary that the Franciscan Family has been celebrating this year: the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ composition of the Canticle of the Creatures. Friar Milan GELO opened the proceedings with a lecture dedicated to this topic. Afterwards, the participants were allowed to reflect more deeply on the subject and share their thoughts.
In his presentation, Friar Milan highlighted how the Canticle of the Creatures demonstrates the spirituality of St. Francis’ intimate connection to the concrete reality and challenges of the world. When speaking of creation, the saint does not distance himself from it, but rather enters into a relationship with it. He recognizes the signs of the Creator in all creation. Francis contemplates creation as a work of art that conveys a message, elevates the spirit, and opens the heart. This attitude, also mentioned by Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato si’, highlights the inseparable bond between humanity’s relationship with creation and the Creator.
In addition to attending lectures and discussions, the friars visited the Sanctuary of Camposampiero, a site associated with the life of St. Anthony of Padua, where they celebrated Mass and prayed the Liturgy of the Hours. They then traveled to Padua and Venice, where they met with the friars of the Province of Northern Italy, learned about their pastoral work, and visited the basilicas entrusted to their care.
As this was the last event of the current four-year Provincial term, part of the program for the week was dedicated to evaluating the life of the Province over the last few years. Through group work and a plenary session, the friars reflected on the journey they have made and how to respond today, as individuals and as a community, to God’s call and to the prophetic mission in the Church and society.
The formation week concluded with Mass celebrated at the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua. At that time, the friars thanked Friar Martin JAKOVIĆ for his committed service in coordinating the continuing formation program over the last four years.
Friar Zlatko VLAHEK, Provincial Secretary
