The Provincial Chapter of the Maltese Franciscan Province came to a conclusion today, Friday. The day started with a Celebration of the Word centred upon the Virgin Mary, in which Fr. Austin McCormack OFM, President of the Chapter, gave a short reflection. The friars present then renewed their vows.

After the roll call Fr. John Abela read the resolutions that the delegates of the Chapter had formulated in the workshops. These were passed and approved. The resolutions regarded renewed prayers in the fraternities, the importance of the Local Chapter, a review of the Particular Statutes, finances, and an équipe of friars to run the Retreat Houses. They expressed the ever-pressing demands on the friars to come to grips with the fundamental ideals of the Franciscan life, and have been repeatedly reformulated during Provincial Chapters ever since 1985, with the aim of being a continual reminder of Franciscan ideals.

The Minister Provincial Fr. Sandro Overend OFM then read some emails sent to him by Frs. Noel Muscat, Stephen Bliss, Anglu Falzon and the rector of Fr. Allegra College.

At the very end the President and the Provinical made their final comments and thanked all the friars who participated. The Provincial Chapter will now be followed by the Congressus, in which the families of the different fraternities will be formed and offices will be reconfirmed or redistributed.