What are the essential signs of Franciscan life in our time? This was one of the central questions of the meeting of friars engaged in searching out "New Forms of Life and Mission," which took place from November 23 to 27, 2025, in Pupping, Austria. The event was attended by about twenty friars from many European countries, from Sicily (Italy) to Poland and Ireland.
During the working days, the participants discussed the essentials of our charism for contemporary life. They emphasized, among other things, the importance of the quality of fraternal life, understanding the fraternity as the place where one can share experiences, contemplative prayer, life among the poor, and accompaniment of new forms of life.
The participants also spoke with the General Minister, Fr. Massimo Fusarelli, via video link. "Research into New Forms of Franciscan Presence, Life, and Mission... is very vital for us at this moment in the journey of our international fraternity, for the present and future of the charism," said the Minister General. The Provincial Minister of Austria, Friedrich "Fritz" Wenigwieser, along with the local community, explained the origins of the Pupping fraternity. It is composed of First Order friars, a Poor Clare nun, and lay members of the OFS, and has been offering hospitality to many people for over 30 years.
Fr. Jacopo Pozzerle illustrated the origins of the New Forms movement and proposed some ideas for the future. The friars have decided to propose to the General Minister and the General Definitory the creation of a European international community that lives according to the principles of the New Forms expressed in the document Ite, nuntiate (2014). This could accommodate other friars for specific periods. A proposal for the 2027 General Chapter regarding New Forms was also agreed upon.
The gathering also included moments of fraternity and shared manual work at the friary. One evening was dedicated to the local population of Pupping, with whom the friars shared songs and music.
"I'm going home richer," "I'm encouraged," some participants said during the final evaluation. "The fire is no longer just ashes, but has been rekindled into flames," added another brother regarding the passion for Franciscan life in its new forms.
The meeting was organized by the Commission for New Forms, established by the General Minister in 2021. The Commission's task is to evaluate, encourage, and support appropriate initiatives and new life experiences that are emerging within the Order at the European level.
