From the 15th –19th July 2024 at the Porziuncola in Assisi the Meeting of the Temporary Professed Friars of Europe was held, organized by the General Secretariat for Formation and Studies, which chose as its theme an expression taken from the Life before Thomas of Celano: "Filled with infinite admiration".
After the first day, on the 16th July, the 155 friars and their formators reflected on "The balance between contemplation and activities", a topic presented by Br. Paolo Zampollini, president of the "Spirit of devotion and prayer" Commission of the OFM. In a discussion rich in personal experiences, Br. Paolo analyzed several texts from the Franciscan Sources that describe St. Francis' relationship with contemplation. After working in the language groups, the Temporary Professed exposed some difficulties that they encountered in the search for a healthy balance. It was emphasized that sometimes there is a lack of solemnly professed friars who are experts in the contemplative life. Several groups expressed the desire to have the opportunity to make a day of spiritual retreat each month in the form of a desert. During the Eucharistic celebration in the Basilica of St. Clare, Br. Darko Tepert, Secretary General for Formation and Studies, starting from the text of the prophet Hosea, spoke of the importance of God's will in every decision, including the decision to retire to a hermitage.
On a day of fraternal meetings and personal and community prayer, on Wednesday the 17th July, the friars went on pilgrimage to La Verna, exactly two months after the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Stigmata of St. Francis. The Mass was presided over by Br. Livio Crisci, Minister of the Province of St. Francis Stigmatized and President of COMPI, who recalled how the ascent to Mount La Verna was for Francis the experience of the "night", while the pause and the event of the stigmata represent the irruption of the "new day in his own life". He then concluded: "Dear brothers, let us immerse ourselves in history, carrying in our hearts the last words spoken by the Seraphic Father before leaving this world: 'I have done my part; May Christ teach you yours" (LegM XIV, 3)".
The 18th July was dedicated to New Forms of Life and Evangelization: in the homily of the Mass presided over by Msgr. Mario Vaccari, OFM, Bishop of Massa Carrara-Pontremoli, he began with the Gospel passage and spoke of how to bear the yoke, emphasizing that it must be done with meekness and humility. After the celebration, he shared his experience of itinerancy and life in an inserted fraternity. Br. Casey Cole, OFM, presented a report on evangelization through social media. The day also marked the arrival of the General Definitory, which offered its contribution in the various language groups.
On the last day of the meeting, the Minister General, Br. Massimo Fusarerelli, spoke about the situation of the Friars Minor in Europe, trying to open his gaze to the future. In his speech, he reiterated that post-secularization can be an opportunity to rediscover the faith. He began with the example of St. Francis, who injected a touch of humanity into his world, he encouraged the friars to study and research in order to become capable of elaborating today the elements of a Franciscan humanism, which must then be modulated in contact with the novelties that emerge. Finally, he encouraged the friars to open the horizon beyond our borders and to the audacity to think of "new things".
In the basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, the Holy Mass, animated with the singing of the friars from Poland, was presided over by Br. Massimo who in his homily, speaking of the society in which we live, wondered if this was the end of Christianity and with it of religious life, or if it was the possibility of a new beginning, and he replied: "I strongly believe that this is the time to start again, but we must take the right path, the one that the Spirit shows us." Finally, he wished the temporarily professed friars that their lives be given totally to becoming a proclamation of the Gospel that saves.
During the meeting, the Temporary Professed Friars of Europe were able to discuss and share the reality of their formation, life and mission in their Entities, and the prospects for the future of the Franciscan mission in Europe. Starting from the presentations offered in the hall and after the work in the language groups, they drew up a Final Declaration and Proposals of the Meeting, confirmed by secret ballot by the vast majority of the assembly.
Read the full text of the homilies:
15th July: Italiano – English - Hrvatski – Polski
16th July: Italiano – English - Hrvatski - Polski
17th July: Italiano – English - Hrvatski - Polski
18th July: Italiano – English - Hrvatski - Polski
19th July: Italiano – English - Hrvatski - Polski
Read the Minister General Speech: Italiano – English - Hrvatski – Polski
Read the Final Declaration: Italiano – English - Hrvatski – Polski
