Today 20th July the Franciscan Province of St Paul the Apostle, Malta, commenced the celebration of their Provincial Chapter. Br Jeffrey Scheeler O.F.M., General Visitor, accompanied the assembled friars through video conferencing, whilst Br Valmir Ramos O.F.M., Presided the Chapter.
The encounter started at 3:30pm with half an hour of personal prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Strengthened by God’s presence amongst us we proceeded to hear the letter addressed to us by the Minister General. Amongst other things, he encouraged us to widen our view, see the needs of the poor and work towards a more just and whole society.
We read messages sent to us by the Nunzio and the Archbishop of Malta, as well as those sent to us by Mons. Joe Bonello, Mons. Robert Camilleri, Mons. George Bugeja and Mons. Sandro Overend.
It was then the turn of the Minister Provincial read out his report. He recalled his intense itinerary as Minister Provincial, recounting aspirations, endeavours, failures and disappointments. He expressed some of his views regards the future of the Province and the vision it should endorse.
After a short break Mr Paul Camilleri presented a Financial Report, which was succeeded by a time for questions and clarifications.
We concluded the day with the prayer of Vespers at 7:30pm.
Fi hsiebi u talbi. IL-MULEJ JAGHTIKOM IS-SLIEM