On 17-20 October 2022, the meeting of about sixty Guardians belonging to the seven Franciscan Provinces of the COMPI Sud (i.e., the Italian Provinces in the South of the country) took place. The location was the Franciscan monastery of Tropea (Calabria, Italy), built in a splendid position by the sea.
On the first day, together with the General Definitor, Br. Cesare Vaiani, they have again examined the Handbook for Guardians, published by the Order in 2019; in this way the new Guardians were helped to start their service, and the "long-time" Guardians also had the opportunity to improve it more and more.
The other days were dedicated to three insights, led by as many speakers: the bishop Mons. Francesco Savino spoke of the "new humanism" of Francis of Assisi, the psychologist and psychotherapist Chiara D'Urbano illustrated "the leadership of the Guardian" and the Capuchin scholar Br. Pietro Maranesi spoke of the "grace of work" for our Franciscan identity. This last theme is in fact the subject of the Conference's ongoing formation during this year.
The participants greatly appreciated the fraternal sharing and the common commitment to formation.
