Meeting of the Ministers and Vicars of the Provinces of Spain and Portugal

The Ministers Provincial and Vicars Provincial of the Franciscan Provinces of Spain and Portugal held a new working meeting on 9-10 July at the convent of Ponteareas (Canedo, Pontevedra, Spain), with the aim of continuing their common journey in the process of unification that they have been promoting for several years.

The meeting, convened and coordinated by the Delegate General for this process, Br. Sergiusz Bałdyga, focused on shared discernment regarding the steps being taken towards greater integration among the Provinces, in an atmosphere of fraternity, attentive listening, and shared responsibility.

Throughout the various sessions, the work carried out by the different Secretariats, Commissions, and working groups established to accompany this process was presented. The participants were able to learn about the progress achieved in each area and to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from this journey.

One of the most significant moments of the meeting was the time devoted to reflecting more deeply on the model of federation that will serve as the basis for the future unification of the Provinces. In a spirit of mutual listening and discernment, the Ministers Provincial and Vicars Provincial shared their reflections and contributions, with the desire to continue building a common structure at the service of the fraternal life and the evangelizing mission of the Order in Spain and Portugal.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to schedule the forthcoming gatherings and to define the next steps of this process, reaffirming the commitment to continue moving forward with hope and responsibility along this path of communion.

The fraternity of the convent of Ponteareas warmly welcomed all the participants, creating an atmosphere conducive to prayer, dialogue, and shared work—clear signs of the spirit with which the friars of Spain and Portugal continue to discern the future of their presence and mission.

Br. Manolo D. Buiza, OFM - Secretary of the process of unification