After a two-year break due to the pandemic, the 49th meeting between the friars of the Province of St. Joseph in Slovenia and their family members took place on January 2, 2023, at the Friary of Saints Peter and Paul in Ptuj, Slovenia.

The meeting began with Mass with the Assistant General for the Centralis Europae Foederatio (CEF), Friar Igor SALMIČ, presiding, and other friars concelebrating. In addition to the family members, those attending the celebration included representatives of the local Secular Franciscan fraternities and some collaborators from the friaries and parishes of the Province. The local parish choir graced the ceremony with singing.
After Mass, the program continued in the large refectory of the friary. The Minister Provincial, Friar Milan KOS, talked about some important events that took place in the Province over the last two years and announced the next appointments for 2023. After the fraternal lunch, there was a show with music and entertainment.
Also after the Mass, the participants visited the nativity scene down in what is called the “friary cellar.” The family members enjoyed a cordial time with the friars who were grateful for the good collaboration they have had from the laity.
The event ended in the afternoon with the hope that the meeting will take place again next year.

Friar Milan KOS, Minister Provincial