On January 28-29, 2025, the annual meeting of the Definitory and the Guardians of the Province of St. Joseph in Slovenia took place at the Friary of Bl. Anton M. Slomšek in Olimje, Slovenia. On the last day, the friary Economs also attended.

The purpose of the meeting was to reflect on how the friar communities are implementing the decisions made at the last Ordinary Provincial Chapter. This time, the focus was specifically on the 800th anniversary of St. Francis receiving the stigmata. The Lord touched St. Francis with His wounds. How do we and our communities allow ourselves to be touched by the Lord? How do we touch our brothers, our close collaborators, the faithful (the sick, elderly, young, wounded, etc.) who need help? These questions build a communion that gives life to prophetic witness. We must constantly discern and search for new ways and forms that are the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The friars reflected on the positive and negative aspects of fraternal life and the apostolate, becoming more aware of what it means to be Conventual Franciscan friars in our time. The meeting also addressed financial matters and the need to face the realities of the times, seeking solutions for the increasingly demanding financial activity today.
Each day began with a communal Mass in the chapel of the retreat center [part of the friary complex]. In his homily, the Assistant General for the Centralis Europae Foederatio (CEF), Friar Igor SALMIČ, encouraged the friars to live a concrete spiritual life and to cultivate zeal for the Lord.

Friar Milan KOS, Minister Provincial