The Maltese Province of St. Paul the Apostle celebrated the Chapter of Mats in line with the request of the last General Chapter. A total of 35 participants met between 6 and 8 September under the guidance of Br. Jimmy Zammit, General Definitor, who was invited to animate the discussions and topics that were pursued.
The Chapter was open to those brothers who wished to take part, besides the members of the Definitory and Secretaries for Formation/Studies and for Evangelization. A total of 16 brothers took part, together with 2 Clares, 5 Franciscan Sisters from 3 different Congregations, 2 Secular Franciscans and 10 other lay persons, both young and middle-aged, who are in some way connected to the Franciscan presence and mission in Malta.
The Chapter was divided into three moments according to the three topics underlined in the guidelines presented by the General Definitorium. The central theme that was chosen was “Listening to one another and looking towards the future”.
This was the first time that this kind of Chapter of Mats was celebrated in a spirit of synodality. All the participants agreed that it was a highly positive experience, which could shed light on future similar initiatives in preparation to important moments like the Provincial Chapter. A final document is to be approved on 27 September by the same participants and then shared with the ESC (English Speaking Conference), of which the Maltese Province forms part.
