On September 22-27, 2025, the 136th Ordinary General Assembly of the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP) took place in Oradea, Romania.
The first meeting between the Ministers Provincial, Custodes, and Delegates took place during a stopover at the Bucharest airport. Later that evening, they all landed together in Oradea, where they were welcomed by the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania, Friar Damian-Gheorghe PĂTRAȘCU, as well as by the Custos of the Custody of the Orient and the Holy Land, Friar Anton BULAI, and by the friars of the local friary of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The friars began work on Tuesday morning, September 23, with the election of Friar Daniele LA PERA as the new FIMP Secretary. Friar Daniele is the Provincial Secretary for the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua [Northern Italy]. They also elected Friar Lucian-Mihai BOBÂRNAC as the new FIMP Econom. Friar Lucian is the Director of the FIMP Missionary Center. The friars then spent a considerable amount of time discussing the life of their respective Jurisdictions. Next, the FIMP President, Friar Roberto BRANDINELLI updated the Assembly on the new appointment of the formators at the novitiate and post-novitiate in Padua, and the appointment of the Director of the Franciscan Youth Center. Friar Juan Antonio ADÁNEZ SILVÁN, the Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Monserrat in Spain was made the FIMP Federation representative for parish ministry. Friar Salvatore M. PULIZZOTTO, the Minister Provincial of the Italian Province of the Immaculate Conception (Sicily-Calabria), was made the FIMP Federation representative for formation. The friars spent a significant amount of time discussing the Missionary Center in the presence of its director. The day concluded with a presentation by the Custos of the General Custody of the Sacred Convent of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy, Friar Marco MORONI, on activities planned for the 2026 Franciscan Centenary.
On Wednesday, September 24, the friars toured the city of Oradea and visited several significant sites. They were warmly welcomed by the Most Reverend Virgil BERCEA, Bishop of Oradea Mare Romania (Greek Catholic), with whom they celebrated the Divine Liturgy the next day, at the Conventual Franciscan Parish Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God. It was an experience everyone greatly appreciated.
On the morning of Thursday, September 25, the friars discussed formation and youth and vocation ministry. The also discussed the Franciscan Youth Center in Assisi, common formation houses, the experience of the second novitiate, and the week of formation for friars in their first five years of solemn vows. The friars thoroughly discussed the topic of welcoming and forming older vocations to the Order. In the afternoon, they focused on FIMP Federation activities such as conducting various FIMP meetings for Economs, religious brothers, and formators.
On the last day, the friars discussed the friar communities from other Jurisdictions that exist within the FIMP Federation territory. This theme was also taken up by the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, who joined the discussion online. Friar Carlos talked about hope, about the charismatic quality of our life, mission as a fundamental reality for us, and collaboration between Federations. Finally, he returned to the subject of older vocations.
The work concluded on Friday afternoon, September 26. The friars examined the schedule for upcoming assemblies and special events, and expressed their deep gratitude to the Minister Provincial, Friar Damian-Gheorghe, and the friars of Oradea, for their fraternal welcome and Gospel witness.
Friar Daniele LA PERA, FIMP Secretary
