On May 20-22, 2026, the 137th Ordinary General Assembly of the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP) was held at the Seraphicum International College in Rome.
The FIMP General Assembly followed the conclusion of the Meeting of Ministers Provincial with FIMP Formation Directors and Youth and Vocation Ministry Animators.
The morning of May 20, was devoted to formation and discussion on the topic of artificial intelligence. Under the guidance of Father Alessandro PICCHIARELLI, a lecturer at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and a researcher in the ethics of computer algorithms, the friars addressed the topic “Artificial Intelligence in Consecrated Life: Tools for Discernment.” His goal was to raise awareness of the risks and benefits of this technology, especially as it relates to spiritual and consecrated life, in order to develop criteria that can guide its use.
The work of the Assembly began with an update on the Franciscan Centenary. Friar Marco MORONI reviewed the opening of the Franciscan Jubilee Year, along with the celebrations and events that marked it. Starting from the recent exposition of the mortal remains of St. Francis, he went on to talk about what still lies ahead in the coming months. The other Federation members took the opportunity to discuss initiatives taking place in their own Jurisdictions for this anniversary: cultural events, liturgical celebrations, collaboration with local Franciscan groups, prayer events, and joint efforts with dioceses. All of this highlights just how alive the witness of St. Francis still is.
The first day concluded with a review of the recent FIMP meetings—one for Economs and one for Formators and Youth and Vocation Ministry Animators. The participants reaffirmed the value and usefulness of cultivating these training and refresher opportunities, identifying some themes to revisit and others to explore, in order to strengthen each person’s service in their respective areas.
Work also continued on issues related to vocation promotion and initial formation, beginning with the needs of the Franciscan Youth Center in Assisi. Federation members held extensive discussions to identify an effective model for this service and agreed on a collaborative team-based approach, with several potential team members proposed.
The discussion then turned to the formation houses. The participants reviewed the current number of men in initial formation and the composition of the fraternities according to their Jurisdictions of origin. Special attention was given to the postulancy stage, with consideration of its opportunities as well as its challenges, in particular, the shortage of friars available for formation ministry. Over several sessions, the participants also engaged in serious discernment regarding the distribution of postulancy houses throughout Italy.
Regarding formation, the Federation members continued to reflect on the acceptance of adult vocations and on the draft guidelines recently discussed with the formators. Over several sessions, they engaged in extensive discussion and ultimately agreed to adopt the draft document ad experimentum, using practical experience to discern what should later be retained, revised, or corrected.
On the afternoon of May 21, Friar Lucian BOBARNAC, FIMP Econom and Director of the Franciscan Mission Center, addressed the assembly. He updated the participants on the Federation’s financial status and on the Mission Center’s activities, including the evaluation and support of aid projects, the revival of mission weekends, and other awareness initiatives already carried out in various communities. He also presented the renewed edition of Il Missionario Francescano, highlighting its redesigned format and new sections, which broaden the magazine’s scope while continuing to meet readers’ expectations regarding missionary topics.
The Assistant General for the FIMP Federation, Friar Colin SAMMUT, addressed the assembly and reviewed several ongoing processes affecting the FIMP Federation and its relationship with other entities in the Order. He updated the participants on the next General Assembly, scheduled for April 12–17, 2027, in Schwarzenberg, Germany, which will focus on safeguarding. He also reported on efforts to strengthen collaboration among the Federations in line with Motion No. 8 of the 2025 General Chapter and discussed Motion No. 9, which concerns redefining—and possibly unifying—the Provinces of Southern Italy.
After planning some upcoming FIMP activities, discussing pending issues, and scheduling some future assemblies, the members concluded this intensive Assembly, which was conducted with dedication and a spirit of fraternal sharing.
Friar Daniele LA PERA, FIMP Federation Secretary
