During the third week of September Fr. Jose’ Rodriguez Carballo OFM, Minister General of the Franciscans, was in Malta for a two day visit. The programme of his visit included meetings with all the members of the Franciscan family.

On 21 September Fr. Carballo celebrated Mass for the friars at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Bahar ic-Caghaq, where he was officially welcomed by Fr. Paul Galea OFM, Minister Provincial of the Franciscans in Malta. Both Fr. Carballo and Fr. Galea exchanged speeches. After Mass the friars went to Porziuncola Retreat House for a meeting with the Minister General and a fraternal meal.

The following morning, 22 September, the Minister General met the Poor Clares at their monastery, and celebrated Mass for them. In the evening he had a meeting with the Franciscan Sisters, followed by another meeting with the Secular Franciscan Order and the Franciscan Youth. Fr. Carballo spoke on the importance of working together to enhance our Franciscan charism. At the end of the meeting he had many informal exchanges with those present at Porziuncola Retreat House.

The Minister Provincial Fr. Paul Galea thanked God for this special occasion of grace which our Province had with the visit of the Minister General. He said it was a time of grace and renewal of our Province, and this was a good boost to continue working in the right direction and follow our Franciscan charism.