"La Verna"
Gormanston
Co. Meath.

Tel: (01) 8020951
Fax: (01) 8020126
e-mail:

La Verna is a very new house, only completed in November 2001. It was built in the grounds of Gormanston College, particularly to house the Minister Provincial and his staff, though not exclusively so. At present there is a community of four friars living there. The work is shared with skilled employees.

The meetings of the Provincial Definitory are normally held in La Verna, as well as other bigger or smaller meetings of friars.

Provincial Events:

The main celebration this year is around the 800th Anniversary of the Approval of the Rule of St. Francis - OFM 800 - and this takes the shape of:

1. The International Chapter of Mats in Assisi and Rome (April 15-18): five Irish friars are attending. Several thousand representatives from OFM, OFM Caps, OFM Conv and TOR will be present.
2. The Ongoing Formation Committee and the OFM 800 Committee have organised three seminars/retreats on the rule for March, June and October/November. A cultural event celebrating the Franciscan presence in Ennis will be held, probabl in May.
3. The General Chapter takes place in Rome 24 May - 20 June. The election for Minister General takes place on 4 June.
4. The Franciscan Faith exhibition continues in teh National Museaum, Collins Barracks until October. This is a display of Franciscan silver plate, mainly challices.
5. The History of the Irish Franciscans, 1540-1990 will be published later this year.
6. Teh annual pilgrimages to Knock, Lourdes and the Holy Land will take place as usual.