Suppression and Erection of Conferences in Europe

“The Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Capuchin Provincial Ministers” and “The Capuchin Conference of Northern and Eastern Europe” are the two new conferences of Europe and the Mediterranean region erected by the General Minister Br. Roberto Genuin on September 11, 2023, at the International College of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Rome. The event was attended by about sixty friars including provincial ministers, custodes, delegates, and other friars belonging to these circumscriptions, together with the General Council and several friars from the General Curia.

At the same time, the five previous conferences that constituted this geographical area were suppressed. They are ASMEN, CECOC, CENOC, CIC, CIMPCap. During the gathering, the friars were also able to see graphically the situation of the Order in Europe, with all its major challenges and strengths; and they shared with the General Council the path arrived at which led to the reorganization of the Conferences. 

After ideas and experiences were shared at the assembly, the General Minister presided at Eucharist. During the liturgy, the decree of suppression of the old conferences and the erection of the two new conferences was read, officially laying out the new boundaries with hopes that, quoting our sources, the friars "will always desire above all to have the Spirit of the Lord and his holy operation." 

The two newly formed conferences constitute about one-third of the Order. The Conference of Northern and Eastern Europe has 7 provinces, 2 Custodies, 7 delegations and 5 "Domus Presentiae" for a total of 1,019 brothers; the Euro-Mediterranean Conference has 21 provinces, 3 Custodies, 3 delegations and 2 "Domus Presentiae" for a total of 2,176 brothers. 

It is hoped that this new arrangement in the region of the Order’s birthplace will achieve specific goals, including fostering collaboration, stimulating and strengthening our charism in Europe and ensuring a solid future for our fraternity.

During the course of the meeting, the Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Capuchin Provincial Ministers elected Br Gianpaolo Lacerenza (Province of Puglia) as its president.

Video: https://youtu.be/dzmSzGmfGuY?si=fCjCuNL_EvIXR2WR 

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