On January 27-31, 2020, the Guardians of the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia gathered at the Franciscan Centre in Ndola. This was the last Guardians’ meeting of the current quadrennium, which will end in 2020.
The Minister Provincial, Friar Richard Francis CHIMFWEMBE, presided over the meeting, which was characterized by reflection, prayer and fraternal communion. The guiding theme of the meeting was “How Good and How Pleasant It Is, When Brothers Dwell Together as One!” (Psalm 133:1). The guardians began the meeting with a day of reflection led by Friar Ferena LAMBE.
The meeting was particularly important because it helped the Guardians to prepare for the upcoming Ordinary Provincial Chapter. They were able to look at ways of making the Province a better place for each friar, especially with regard to community life, the apostolate and one’s sense of belonging to the Church and the Order at large. During this final Guardians’ meeting of the quadrennium, the Guardians studied, prayed over and reflected upon a number of topics. They challenged one another over such issues as fraternal life, adherence to the Provincial Four-Year Plan, Provincial administration, internal and external communications and organizing a formation week for those in initial formation. The Guardians discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the community life experienced in each of their various communities over the last four years. They also worked on some recommendations to enhance community life in the Province.
The meeting was carried out in a cordial, peaceful and fraternal atmosphere.
Friar Mathews KASONGO, Provincial Secretary
