New meeting of the Definitors of the Iberian Peninsula
In view of the union of the Provinces
12 September 2025On September 11 and 12 of this year, in accordance with the conclusions of the meeting of the Definitors of the four Franciscan Provinces of the Iberian Peninsula (Saints Martyrs of Morocco in Portugal, and Our Lady of Arántzazu, Santiago de Compostela, and the Immaculate Conception in Spain), held in Lisbon in January 2025, accompanied by the Definitor General, Br. Cesare Vaiani, and by the Delegate of the Minister General, Br. Sergiusz Baldyga, the new Definitors of these Provinces met after their respective Provincial Chapters, with the aim of taking on and advancing the process of union of the Provinces, agreed upon at the Lisbon meeting.
In accordance with what was agreed and expressed in the Lisbon document, the meeting was held in a “synodal style,” beginning with the discovery of the common elements that unite us at different levels (spiritual, affective, charismatic, emotional) with the friars of the other Entities in view of the union/federation; and also trying to recognize possible resistance to it and the challenges it presents.
We also discussed and proposed initiatives that would allow us to involve all the friars in the key of fraternal life in mission.
Finally, we proposed concrete modalities and indications to continue advancing in the process of union, as well as a calendar-agenda for different levels of encounter that would allow us to walk toward a common goal of union that could revitalize Franciscanism in the Iberian Peninsula.
Beyond everything that was discussed and agreed upon, it is worth noting the excellent fraternal atmosphere in which the meeting took place, and the freedom and sincerity with which all the brothers were able to express themselves when addressing the proposed topics.
Such sincerity and fraternal cordiality are the best guarantee of a fruitful and truly revitalizing process for our entities and our Franciscan life. We entrust ourselves to the Spirit of the Lord and his holy work on this journey.
Br. Miguel de la Mata, OFM
