Under Ten Conference of the Province of the Holy Family in Egypt

On the 15th and 16th June 2026, the Under Ten Conference for the friars of the Province of the Holy Family of Egypt was held in Luxor, organised by Br. Milad Gouda, head of Under Ten, and Br. Milad Shehata, Secretary for Formation and Studies. The meeting, which was also attended by Br. Francisco Gómez Vargas, OFM, Secretary General for the Missions and Evangelisation, addressed the theme of Franciscan identity and the renewal of the religious vocation. 

The difference between the "mystery of vocation", which leads to mission, renewal, and spiritual growth, and the "mystery of survival", which risks being transformed into the simple search for security, stability, and conservation, was explored. St. Francis, in fact, chose fidelity to the Gospel above all else, without limiting himself to preserving the institution or guaranteeing its continuity. The participants reflected on the risk that excessive concern for survival can generate immobility, fear of change and loss of missionary momentum. 

The conference invited the friars to re-examine the original motivations for their call and to verify how much they continue to be alive in the present. Questions were also asked regarding the forms of attachment to security, roles, positions, or traditions, which could hinder spiritual renewal. 

Ample space was dedicated to contemporary challenges, including the digital world, artificial intelligence and consumer culture, and their impact on religious life. The friars also wondered about the permanence of authentic Franciscan joy and the risk that it will be replaced by simple administrative tasks. 

Finally, the conference encouraged the renewal of religious formation and the recovery of St. Francis' courage in living the Gospel today. It was reiterated that religious life is renewed through a constant return to the Gospel and that living communities grow thanks to meaning, mission and witness, not simply through their preservation. 

During the conference, Br. Francisco presented the new document issued by the General Curia concerning missions and evangelisation, the Ratio Evangelizationis "Ite In Mundum", illustrating the main orientations and pastoral perspectives for Franciscan life and missionary commitment in the contemporary world.