On January 17, 2026, several Conventual Franciscan friars from Africa who are studying in Rome gathered at the Seraphicum College for a fraternal formation meeting promoted by the Secretary General of the General Secretariat for Formation, Friar Bernardino HOSPITAL POSADA.
Those attending the meeting included the Assistant General for the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF), Friar Blasio Ooko OLENGE, as well as other members of the General Secretariat for Formation, Friars Martin PALLIKKARA and Stephen Ochieno OCHWADA. The friars were welcomed by the Guardian and Rector of the Seraphicum, Friar Adam MACZKA, who expressed his joy at their presence.
The formation session focused on the experience of study and community life in Rome, as well as on the joys and challenges encountered in the Jurisdictions of Africa. Friar Blasio delivered the main lecture, entitled, “Being a Bridge between Rome and Africa.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration, the sharing of acquired skills, and fraternal co-responsibility. He noted that academic formation is a gift meant to be placed at the service of the entire fraternity and the mission of the Church.
An open and fraternal discussion followed, during which the friars shared their experiences, difficulties, and perspectives. They offered concrete suggestions for strengthening Franciscan life both in Rome and in their home countries, with particular attention on formation.
Currently, there are approximately fifteen friar-priests from various AFCOF Jurisdictions in Rome pursuing licentiate or doctoral degrees in disciplines such as Franciscan studies, philosophy, psychology, and theology.
In closing, Friar Bernardino thanked the participants for the richness of their contributions and highlighted the usefulness of the meeting, especially in view of his first official visit to Africa. He proposed organizing summer courses of continuing formation to strengthen fraternity and promote a more shared approach to formation.
General Secretariat for Formation
