On June 14-16, 2024, the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in Austria conducted a National Elective Chapter. The Chapter was held at the retreat center of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in Salzburg, Austria. The OFS National Fraternity in Austria is divided into five regions and has 761 members.
The Chapter opened on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with some words of welcome addressed to all those present, including the OFS Minister General, Tibor KAUSER, and the representative of the Conference of General Spiritual Assistants, Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI. The Chapter was moderated by the Mother General of the Franciscan Sisters of Amstetten, Sister Franziska BRUCKNEN. The Chapter agenda continued as planned with the presentation of various reports, followed by dinner and an hour of Eucharistic adoration. The first day concluded with some recreation time.
The work of the Chapter resumed on Saturday, June 15, at 8:00 a.m. with Morning Prayer. Next, there was a lecture by Kurt NŐHMAYER entitled: “OFS – Quo Vadis.” Group work followed. In the afternoon, Tibor KAUSER gave a lecture entitled: “The Three Great Temptations.” Next, Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI gave a lecture entitled: “The Mission of St. Francis and the Charism of the Franciscans.”
There were twenty-seven Capitulars present (out of twenty nine) who had the right to vote, plus twenty observers). The Capitulars elected Franz KNAPP as the new National Minister. They also elected the members of the National Council. In addition, they elected Christine WALDER as the new International Councilor. The new National Council was installed during Mass at 6:00 p.m. The Mass was presided over by the Minister Provincial of the Friars Minor, Friar Fritz WENIGWIESER.
Afterwards, Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI met with the OFS Spiritual Assistants who were present, namely, Friar Stefan KITZMUELLER, OFM; Friar Valentin SOLOMON, OFM Conv.,; Friar Marek KROL, OFM Cap.; and Friar Leszek NOCUN, OFM Cap. During this meeting, the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants was formed. Finally, at 9:00 p.m., a meeting with the new National Council was conducted.
On Sunday, June 16, after Morning Prayer, the Capitulars met at 9:00 a.m. to establish the priorities for the new three-year term. The Chapter closed with Mass at 11:00 a.m., presided over by Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI. After lunch, the Capitulars joyfully returned to their fraternities.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, General Assistant of the Secular Franciscan Order
