On Thursday 27 December evening the Friars’ parents and relatives gathered at the Porziuncola Retreat House for the annual Christmas meeting. The meeting began with a Mass by the Minister Provincial Fr. Paul Galea OFM in which he stressed the need for family values in today’s world. He also referred to the intensive year that it is coming, during which the Franciscan Province will take part in the Congress for Consecrated Persons, will host the visit of the Visitator General and finally will organise the Provincial Chapter. He urged the parents and relatives to pray for the Province so that the Holy Spirit will guide the Franciscans in Malta during 2008.

Soon after the Mass all parents and relatives gathered in the main refectory of the Retreat House, where food was served. It was a unique annual event during which the parents met together to pray and to exchange Christmas greetings.