Meeting of the Provinces of the Iberian Peninsula

The Ministers, Vicars and Definitors of the Franciscan Provinces of the Iberian Peninsula -Aránzazu, Immaculate Conception, Santiago de Commpostela (Spain) and Holy Martyrs of Morocco (Portugal) - met in Madrid on 11–12 September to discern together the future of their presence in Spain and Portugal.

The meeting, attended by General Definitor Br. Cesare Vaiani and the Delegate of the Minister General for the unification process, Br. Sergiusz Bałdyga, agreed to move forward decisively towards the unification of these Provinces.

To facilitate this process, the creation of a transitional Federation with a simple and flexible structure has been proposed. This juridical framework will make it possible to strengthen shared projects and responsibilities, with 2028 identified as a key moment for evaluating the progress made.

Among the immediate priorities agreed upon are:

• Improving communication and fostering the participation of all the friars and fraternities.
• Moving towards the establishment of a common novitiate for the four Provinces, with the aim of beginning this experience in September 2028.

These days unfolded in a truly fraternal atmosphere, in which dialogue, discernment and prayer set the rhythm of the meeting, strengthening the commitment to journey together towards the future with faith, responsibility and courage.