From November 3 to 5, 2026, the Seraphicum College in Rome hosted the Second FIMP Formation Course, dedicated to the theme “The Mission of the Conventual Guardian.” Organized by the Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP) and the General Procuration of the Order, the course was intended primarily for Guardians, but also for the Ministers Provincial and Custodes of the Federation. Forty-two friars from the various FIMP Provinces took part.
The lectures were warmly received and prompted lively, engaging discussion. The program opened on the afternoon of November 3 with a lecture by Friar Felice AUTIERI, OFM Conv., entitled “The Guardian in the History of the Order: A Historical and Charismatic Profile.” Drawing on the writings of St. Francis and the various Constitutions of the Order, Friar Felice traced the evolution of the role of the Guardian from its origins to the present day. He emphasized that the Guardian’s primary responsibility is to watch over, protect, and care for his friars.
The Vicar General, Friar Igor SALMIČ, OFM Conv., explained the Guardian’s role in guiding the House Chapter, where friars come together to share their experiences, discuss community life, and grow in their vocation. He also emphasized the importance of listening attentively, including when brothers express themselves through silence rather than words.
The session on November 4 was dedicated to the theme “Caring for and Governing.” The day began with a lecture by Father Enzo VISCARDI of Casa Speranza in Biella, Italy, on caring for a frail brother. His talk offered particularly meaningful insights into recognizing the distress of fellow friars and helping them regain serenity, without ignoring, marginalizing, or blaming them. Embracing fragility and accompanying those facing difficulties is part of the Guardian’s ministry, as he is called to gently nurture fraternal relationships and foster the unity of the community. Indeed, the distress of one brother concerns the entire fraternity. This lecture was followed by small-group discussions and a plenary session.
In the afternoon, Friar Francesco PANIZZOLO, OFM Conv., from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, explored the Guardian’s ministry in light of the Church’s universal law and the proper law of the Order. He emphasized that the Guardian has both a spiritual role, guiding and nurturing the fraternity’s life, and a juridical role, exercising the responsibilities and authority as the community’s Superior.
Friar Francisco REGORDAN, OFM, also from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, spoke about the proper exercise of authority and how to recognize and prevent abuses of authority and conscience. Addressing this highly topical issue, he recalled that conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of the human person, where one is alone with God.
The final day, November 5, focused on the theme “The Guardian, Econom, and Pastor.” Friar Roberto BONGIANNI, OFM, a professor of economic ethics, offered reflections on the financial sustainability of our friaries―an increasingly pressing concern for all of us. He highlighted the need to address the financial needs of our communities without compromising our charism.
The Procurator General, Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO, OFM Conv., addressed the relationship between the Guardian and the Pastor. In smaller communities, both offices are often entrusted to the same person, while in larger communities, different friars may hold them. In this context, the Guardian is called to harmonize fraternal life and pastoral activities, avoiding excessive clericalism. The course concluded with an opportunity for evaluation and discussion.
The course was a time of formation, fraternity, and sharing experiences. It offered rich and meaningful insights that deserve further reflection and discussion in our communities.
The Masses also played an important role. The opening Mass was celebrated with the Seraphicum community. It was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Ángel FERNÁNDEZ ARTIME, S.D.B., Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, who was visiting the community for the first time.
Friar Colin Charles SAMMUT, Assistant General for the FIMP Federation and Friar Roberto BRANDINELLI, Minister Provincial of the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua (Northern Italy) and FIMP President, presided over the Masses during the days that followed.
Friar Donato GRILLI
Guardian of the San Francesco d’Assisi Friary in Lucera, Italy
