The new Southern European Conference (CEM) is born

From the 7th to 11th October 2024, the Assembly of COMPI and CONFRES was held at the General Curia of the Friars Minor, which marked the birth of the new Conference of Friars Minor of Southern Europe (CEM). The Provincial Ministers of Italy, Spain, Portugal and Albania, accompanied by the Definitor General, Br. Cesare Vaiani, reflected together on future perspectives and common priorities, focusing on initial and ongoing formation and possible common projects within the framework of JPIC.

On the 10th October, the Ministers of the CEM listened to the Minister General, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, who, inspired by the prayer of Solomon (1 Kings 3:1-15), invited the friars to ask the Lord for a "heart capable of listening", essential in a time of transition and change, such as ours. He highlighted that "it is essential to open up to others and seek together how to live life according to the Gospel today, as contemplative friars and minors in the world for the mission." The restructuring of the two Conferences, in fact, is not just an organizational issue, but part of a broader vision of renewal, which calls us to face the challenges with an open and collaborative spirit. 

The Minister also underlined how Italy and the Iberian Peninsula have been, for centuries, pillars of the Order, with friars who left on missions to Latin America, China and other lands. Today, although we are experiencing a reality of weakness and downsizing, we are called to redesign the face of the Order, "enlarging our tent" to include new languages, cultures and different ways of living the Franciscan vocation. Finally, quoting St. Paul, he exhorted the friars not to act "out of a spirit of rivalry or vainglory, but with humility, considering others superior to themselves" (Phil 2:3-4). This attitude of service and mutual respect will be essential to build an authentic fraternity in this part of Europe, focusing on a few but clear objectives, including attention to young people and vocations, crucial challenges for the future.

The path that opens up with the birth of the CEM should not frighten us. We too, as Friars Minor, are invited to walk this path together, listening to each other and opening ourselves to a new fraternity that transcends national and cultural boundaries. It is time to welcome differences as an expression of a "creative fidelity" that enriches the whole fraternity.

The Assembly, which in these days has seen us share limits and concerns, dreams and projects, which has seen us pray and share moments of fraternity in serene harmony, has also elected the first CEM Council in the persons of Piloni Br. Francesco, president; Arregui Guridi Br. José Mari, vice president; Ridolfi Br. Michele Antonio, councilor; Crisci Br. Livio, councilor; Zurera Ribó Br. Joaquín, councilor.

CEM Secretariat