On January 2, 2026, the friars of Province of St. Joseph in Slovenia, along with their families met in Ptuj, at the Friary Saints Peter and Paul, for their 52nd annual Christmas-New Year gathering.
The event has become a well-established fixture in the life of the Province.
The day began with Mass, presided over by the Minister Provincial, Friar Milan KOS and concelebrated by the friars.
This year, two distinguished guests attended: the Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI, and the Vicar of the Order, Friar Igor SALMIČ. Their participation gave the gathering a special significance, making it a time of profound spiritual communion and real fraternity for everyone who attended.
During the Mass, the Minister General delivered a homily focused on a key message of the Gospel. He reminded everyone that family includes not only those who are united by blood ties, but also those who listen to the Word of God and put it into practice, according to the words of Jesus: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” This reminder helped us understand how all those gathered around the altar share a true sense of family belonging. The message pervaded the entire meeting, reinforcing the sense of being one great family united by faith and love.
Later, the Minister Provincial, Friar Milan, presented a certificate of recognition to Mrs. Dorica EMERŠIČ, naming her an honorary member of the Conventual Franciscan Province of St. Joseph in Slovenia. The award was given in gratitude for her commitment to organizing the Conventual and Provincial library in Ptuj, for her long and generous collaboration in guiding the local, regional, and national fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, as well as for her work in editing the magazine of the Province, Med Nami (Among Us). The magazine is intended for pilgrims traveling to Assisi and all those who feel close to Franciscan spirituality.
The celebration continued with a program of Christmas carols, prepared by Friar Matei SENTEŞ and his collaborators. Individuals and families from Slovenia and Romania performed, creating a joyful and engaging atmosphere.
At the end of the program in the church, representatives of the National Council of the Secular Franciscan Order gathered in what is called the basement of the friary to spend some fraternal time together. While there, the Minister General, Friar Carlos, greeted those present, and stressed the importance of mutual connection and support in living according to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order.
Afterwards, the friars of the Province of Slovenia, and their immediate family members, continued their festivities as they gathered around a shared table in the refectory of the friary. The Minister Provincial gave a talk on the main events of the past year and outlined the prospects and plans for the year ahead. 2026 will be particularly significant because of the Ordinary Provincial Chapter to be conducted that year and the celebrations planned for the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis.
The Christmas–New Year gathering, conducted in a serene, family-like atmosphere, concluded in the afternoon with the hope of meeting again next year. This gathering continues to be a time of strengthening communion and living out God’s Word in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.
Friar Milan KOS, Minister Provincial
