On February 3-7, 2025 , the General Custody of the Sacred Convent of St. Francis in Italy (Assisi) conducted the first part of its Ordinary Custodial Chapter. The days were quite full as the Capitulars engaged in the open, tranquil and transparent discussions that are typical of the Franciscan style.
There were thirty Capitulars present representing eight countries on four continents, namely, Italy, Argentina, Poland, Romania, China, Germany, Kenya, and South Korea. The Minister General, Friar Carlos Alberto TROVARELLI, presided. The Assistant General for the Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP) Friar Giovanni VOLTAN, was also present.
Key moments included a review of the life and apostolate of the Custody in recent years, as well as defining some general planning guidelines for the future. Another significant moment was the installation of the Custos, Friar Marco MORONI. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, February 4, in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Francis. The rite was particularly moving: kneeling before the Minister General and the tomb of St. Francis, the Custos professed his faith and took the oath of loyalty to the Church. He then accepted the obedience of the friars of the Custody, giving each of them a symbolic embrace.
The Custodial Vicar and other members of the Definitory were then elected. They are the Custos’ closest collaborators, responsible for governing and managing the fraternal life, pastoral commitments, and institutional relationships of the Custody. The members of the Definitory are: Friar Wiesław PYZIO, Custodial Vicar; Friar Silvano BIANCO, Custodial Secretary; Friar Alfredo M. AVALLONE, President of the Commission for the Pastoral Care of the Shrine and Evangelization; Friar Lindor Alcides TOFFUL, President of the Formation Commission; Friar Riccardo GIACON, Custodial Econom and President of the Commission for Finance and Construction; and Friar Emanuele RIMOLI, President of the Commission for Culture.
Friar Marco MORONI, who is beginning his second four-year term, stated: “While I thank the outgoing Definitors for their active and fraternal collaboration, I am truly happy that the Chapter Assembly has confirmed by a large majority those whom I have now proposed as my closest collaborators. With them and with the contribution of all the friars of the Custody, we will be able to look to the future that awaits us with renewed hope and with strategic planning, in service to our fraternity and the Basilica, giving evangelistic witness in the world.”
One of the main challenges for the coming years is enhancing hospitality and accessibility for the many people—believers and non-believers—who, especially during this Jubilee Year and the Franciscan Centenary, will be visiting the Basilica. Structural work and personal formation programs will be needed to achieve this goal. At the same time, the community is asking what contribution it can make to the Areopagus [debate forum] of the societies of our time.
Friar Giulio CESAREO, Director of the Communications Office of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, stated: “One of the main characteristics, and particularly in line with the contemporary sensitivity of our Franciscan life, is the style of true fraternity: each person, regardless of his role or his skills, can make his own contribution to community life. During the course of the Chapter, we experienced once again that the spirituality of St. Francis is a fraternal lifestyle, a style which fosters participation and shared responsibility. Perhaps this is one of the gifts that Franciscans can and must share with society.”
The second part of the Ordinary Custodial Chapter will be held March 24-27, 2025, again at the Sacred Convent. In addition to appointing the Guardians of Rivotorto and the Franciscanum, the Capitulars will draft and approve the Custodial Four-Year Plan. It will serve as a manifesto of the intentions and priorities of the Custody for the coming years.
Press Room – Andrea Rossi
Sacred Convent of St. Francis
