The General Definitory, as part of its 30th session, held its annual meeting with the Presidents of the Federations at the Friary of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome from June 15 to 17, 2023. Friar Michael Heine, President of the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) took part in the meeting. The CFF includes Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the USA. (See the Federations and where we are in the world.)
Using the theme of old and new wineskins (cf. Luke 5:37-39) as background, the participants discussed signs of vitality in the Order and the places it is flourishing in the various Federations. Growth is occurring, especially in Africa and Asia. While there are challenges in the Old World or the West, it was noted that these challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth and inspire us to a more creative fidelity to our charism.
The discussions conveyed a global awareness of the Church and the Order and our desire on each continent to serve the world as true Friars Minor Conventual.
The second round of the fraternal “Midway Meeting” is now underway (from June 19-23, 2023). It’s another opportunity for Ministers Provincial, Custodes, and Delegates to listen to each other and discern what steps the Holy Spirit is telling the Order to take next.
(Excerpt from an article by friar Giovanni Voltan, Assistant for the FIMP Federation. For more, visit the Order website OFMConv.net.)
