From July 21 to August 18, 2024, the Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP) conducted a second novitiate experience in Rivotorto (Assisi). Nine friars participated in this formation event, although not all of them belonged to the FIMP Federation.
The formation team members were Friar Bernardino HOSPITAL POSADA from the Province of Our Lady of Monserrat in Spain, who had already been involved in this service for several years, and Friar Thomas BOURQUEROD from the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua (Northern Italy) who took over this year.
The second novitiate experience was a unique time to rediscover the beauty of Franciscan fraternity, characterized by shared prayer, cultural exchange and a deep sense of communion. The participants in the experience were Friars Andrea BOSISIO and Damiano CASTAGNA from the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua; Paolo FATICATO from the Province of the Seraphic Father St. Francis in Italy (Naples); Gabriel-Ștefan MUREȘAN, Florin-Marian NISTOR, Eusebiu-Ciprian SOLOMON, and Vasile-Ionuț SUSAN from the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania; Fakhridin IBRAGIMOV from the Provincial Delegation in Uzbekistan; and Friar Peter PIKULÍK from the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Slovakia.
The second novitiate experience began with the rite of writing one’s name in the book of the history of salvation. It was a symbolic gesture that reminded each friar of his personal calling from God. During the four-week event, many topics of great spiritual and theological relevance were addressed. Prayer was central to most of these topics, while consecrated life was explored from a biblical point of view and in light of the concept of “covenant.” Beginning with “come and follow me,” the topic of following Christ was explored through meditation on some encounters the Lord Jesus had with people in search of salvation. In addition, special attention was given to Franciscan spirituality, with an in-depth study of its roots and inspiring principles. These topics were covered not only through theoretical lectures, but also through concrete experiences and rich testimony. Indeed, other religious from different congregations, and lay persons, too, who were engaged in teaching and pastoral work, offered reflections and enriched the experience with different and complementary perspectives.
The second novitiate was also an opportunity to return to the roots of Franciscan history by visiting some significant places such as the Convent de Le Celle near Cortona, Italy and the Sanctuary of La Verna. Finally, during the last week, the friars took part in a hermitage experience, spending two days in solitude and meditation. This time was offered as an opportunity for summarizing the path they had taken, meditating on what they had learned during formation and reflecting on future challenges they might encounter in their life journey as Franciscans.
At the end of the second novitiate experience, the friars expressed their deep gratitude to the community of Rivotorto, which warmly and openly welcomed them. The attentive and benevolent presence of these friars contributed significantly to the creation of an environment conducive to meditation and prayer.
Friar Thomas BOURQUEROD
