On September 2, 2018, the summer experience of the Franciscan Missionary Center of the FIMP area (Inter-Mediterranean Federation of Provincial Ministers) on the banks of the Tiber, which began on June 8 during the Roman Summer event, ended.
With an exhibition stand in front of the Tiberian Island and the presence of the friars, every evening in the three summer months the “Outgoing Church” among people (wanted by Pope Francis) in the “nightlife” that descends on the docks to experience moments of relaxation and healthy fun at the edge of the flowing water of the Tiber.
This missionary outreach has been strengthened after five years of entering into a relationship of listening, dialogue and closeness with those in need of a word, or a meeting, or an appointment at our Center.
It was also an opportunity to make known the life, activities and pastoral care of our missionary confreres present in the 40 countries around the world.
People were also given a gift of a “Missionary Rosary” and a magazine. The “Missionary Rosary” is a brochure that is translated into three languages and the magazine makes known the different initiatives of the Center, such as, distance adoptions, different projects, promotion of devotions, seminars and free donations.
Participating this year in this ministry were young student friars of the Italian Province of St. Francis of Assisi (Central Italy), the Postulate in Osimo, the Franciscanum of Assisi, and also from the International College of Friars Minor Conventual in Rome (Seraphicum). Each group took turns participating in the ministry. Engaging in concrete and direct pastoral care of “street evangelization” was an enriching experience for them.
There were several novelties during the evenings as several outside groups visited. There was a charismatic group, Victory of God, that sang songs and played music. Also, participants in the “Youth across Assisi” program were present and there were performances by a Mexican and a Bolivian Folk group. There was no lack of solidarity between the hundred of the exhibitors, the 15 caterers and the individuals donating to continue the adoption of a school in Uganda and the construction of a water well in Zambia.
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO Director of the Missionary Center
