Today, 12th May, the Provincial Chapter of the Franciscan Province has started. All the friars gathered at 09.00 am at the Porziuncola Retreat House. At round 09.15 we introduced the Chapter with a moment of prayer, during which Fr. Austin McCormack OFM, President of the Chapter, representing the Minister General of the Order, welcomed all the friars who are participating. At the end of the prayers the President handed a copy of the Franciscan Rule in Maltese to all the friars.

After the roll call various messages were read, those from the Bishops of Tripoli and Benghazi, the Minister Provincial of the Friars Minor Capuchins and the Poor Clares. Afterwards the outgoing Minister Provincial, Fr. Paul Galea OFM, read his report covering the last six years. The report was followed by some time for clarifications.

After a short break and some clarifications on the friars in Australia, Benghazi and the Tripoli Mission, the President of the Chapter Fr. Austin McCormack OFM gave his report on the Province. This was followed by a time for questions and clarifications. Next the Financial Report of the Province was read, followed by various questions and clarifications. The first day ended at 13.00hrs.