Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, took part in the Meeting of Capuchin Bishops held in Assisi from September 10 to 13, bringing together bishops from different parts of the world for a few days of prayer, fraternity and reflection. Bishop Emeritus Paul Hinder also participated in the gathering.

The Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, Fr. Roberto Genuin, was present throughout the meeting. The programme began with his greeting, followed by an overview of the Order and the start of the common reflection.

Held under the theme “In the heart of the Church… journeying towards the 500th anniversary of the (Capuchin) Reform,” the meeting offered an opportunity to strengthen the bonds among bishops who share the Capuchin vocation and to reflect on how its charism continues to shape their service to the Church.

In a warm and fraternal atmosphere, much of the meeting was dedicated to sharing experiences and getting to know the different realities and local Churches in which the bishops exercise their ministry. The programme also included moments of reflection on the Capuchin bishop as a principle of unity in the local Church and among the local Churches.

Assisi and its Franciscan places provided a particularly meaningful setting for the gathering. The bishops celebrated the Eucharist at the Sanctuary of the Spoliation and, on Saturday morning, at the tomb of St. Francis in the Basilica dedicated to him.

The meeting concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Cardinal Seán O’Malley and a final reflection on the Capuchin bishop as a gift of the Order to the Church and to the world.

For Bishop Paolo, the gathering was also a valuable opportunity to meet brother bishops serving communities across different countries and continents, renewing bonds of fraternity rooted in the same Capuchin vocation and in a shared mission at the service of the People of God.