From April 29 to May 3, 2021, the post-novitiate community of the Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP), located in Rivotorto, Italy, went on a spiritual retreat.
On the evening of April 28, the friars arrived at the Eremo della SS. Trinità [Hermitage of the Most Holy Trinity] in Assisi, where they ate dinner and received room assignments. The facility is run by the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Assisi.
On the morning of the 29th, the spiritual retreat director arrived: our confrere Friar Francesco COCCO, a biblical scholar and currently a professor at Rome’s Pontifical Urban University (Urbaniana). He provided the participants with two reflections each day. Under his wise guidance, the friars went on a wonderful journey to discover the beauty of the Word of God, savoring its fuller meaning.
In particular, Friar Francesco explored the theme of mercy in relation to St. Luke the Evangelist, by explaining some of the more important passages he had selected.
The natural setting surrounding hermitage helped the participants in their meditation, leading them to experience a series of spiritually uplifting and fulfilling days.
The event concluded with a pleasant and welcome surprise—a visit from the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI. Friar Carlos participated in the last day of the retreat, enhancing the conviviality of the setting with his gentle and paternal presence and presiding over the final Mass of the retreat.
May we always praise the Lord!
Friar Domenico TORRE