On October 11-24, 2025, the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines received a canonical visitation from its Mother Province of the Seraphic Father St. Francis in Italy (Naples). The Minister Provincial, Claudio IORIS, delegated two Provincial Definitors, Friars Paolo D’ALESSANDRO and Anthony TIU, to carry out the visitation.
The Visitators successfully reached all of the communities of the Custody. They personally interviewed thirty solemnly professed friars. They met postulants and friars in simple vows collectively. The Visitators also engaged with members of the Militia of the Immaculata (M.I.), several parishioners, and a few collaborators. Throughout the visitation, they were accompanied by the Provincial Custos, Friar Emmanuel GIVA, and the Vicar Provincial, Friar Dominic LIM.
The Visitators assessed key aspects of community life, including but not limited to spiritual life, pastoral ministry, financial stability, and the formation programs of the friaries across the country. Toward the end of the visitation, the Visitators formally communicated their findings to the Custos, the Vicar Custos and the Custodial Secretary.
Their report highlighted the vitality of the friars’ pastoral work, particularly in parishes serving the poor, as well as the steady growth of various formation houses. While most communities were found to be financially stable, challenges remain, including the management of land properties and finances, infrastructure maintenance, and the closure of the clinic in Novaliches since the pandemic. Despite these concerns, the friars’ commitment to common prayer, fraternity, and service was evident. With sufficient numbers of solemnly professed friars and available formators, the report concluded that the Custody is well on its way toward becoming a Province, provided it strengthens its economic foundations and continues fostering ongoing formation.
Friar Emmanuel GIVA.
Photos: Friar Paolo D’ALESSANDRO / WEB
