On Friday 18th October, the Minister General, Br Massimo Fusarelli, his Definitory and the Ministers of the English-speaking Conference (ESC) gathered in the Franciscan friary in Merchants’ Quay, Dublin, Ireland. Br Philip Miscamble, Minister Provincial of the Province of the Holy Spirit in Australia (currently part of the SAAOC Conference) was also present.
The following morning, Br Massimo and the members of the General Definitory met with the Minister of the Province of Ireland, Br Aidan McGrath, and his Definitory. A presentation on the Irish Province was made by Vicar Provincial, Br David Collins. Sharing and discussion followed, including reflections on the experience since the friars of the UK Custody of the Immaculate Conception were assimilated fully into the Province of Ireland last year. The Province now has eight houses in Ireland, three in England and one in Scotland.
Also discussed was the inter-provincial novitiate in Killarney friary where for the last several years novices from the Irish province, some provinces in Western Europe, and Canada have shared a joint novitiate experience.
Br Massimo and the General Definitor Br Albert Schmucki, after going to Rome for the Canonization of the Blessed Martyrs of Damascus, returned to Ireland to meet, together with the entire General Definitory, the Ministers of the ESC. Reports were shared from the Ministers: in particular, the spoke of the Chapter of Mats taking places in the Provinces and the syntheses of the reflections coming from those gatherings.
However, the main discussion focused on the future of ESC and the possible restructuring of the Conferences needed in the light of the changing realties in USA and other Entities. Also discussed were the Plenary Council of the Order and the upcoming international Lay Brothers meeting.
The Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, joined the group for prayer and a festive meal on one of the evenings.
Deep gratitude was expressed to Br Massimo and the brothers from Rome for their fraternal presence and for the encouragement and inspiration offered for the path ahead.
