The national fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrated its sixth National Elective Chapter. The event took place at the picturesque Our Lady of Mercy Shrine Church in Rama, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tibor KAUSER, the Minister General of the Secular Franciscan Order, presided.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFM Conv., was present as a representative of the Conference of General Spiritual Assistants (CAS). Although this is a young national fraternity, it has nearly 2,000 members and is very vibrant: in fact, this Franciscan reality has produced twelve friars.
On Friday, June 7, 2024, the Capitulars were welcomed into the retreat center of the shrine and began the work of the Chapter at noon. At 5:30 p.m. there was a recitation of the Rosary, followed by the opening Mass. At 9:00 p.m., after dinner, Tibor KAUSER gave a report to the Capitulars and members of the National Franciscan Youth Assembly (YouFra) on the topic, “The Meaning of the Secular Franciscan Order in a Changing World.”
On Saturday morning, June 8, various reports of the OFS national fraternity were presented. At the same time, the YouFra National Assembly conducted its work in another lecture hall. In the afternoon, the new OFS National Council was elected. The twenty-six Capitulars present (six were absent) elected Mirela BARBARIĆ as the National Minister and Ivana VIDOVIĆ as the International Councilor. The new Council was installed during Mass at 6:00 p.m. At 8:30 p.m., Tibor KAUSER and Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI met with the new Council. After that, everyone enjoyed a splendid fraternal evening, wonderfully conducted by OFS and YouFra members.
On Sunday morning, June 9, the Chapter met at 9:00 a.m. with the new National Minister presiding. The Capitulars voted on priorities for the new three-year term. The National YouFra President, Petra BRAĈIĆ, invited Tibor KAUSER and Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI to attend the conclusion of the National YouFra Assembly. The National YouFra of Bosnia and Herzegovina is very vibrant and has 2,944 members. Among its many activities it is worth noting that, for the last twenty-five years, it has organized the annual Franciscan Youth Music Festival, awarding prizes for the best compositions. The national YouFra has already produced three Friars Minor and two Poor Clare sisters.
After three days of work, prayer, sharing and discussion between the OFS and YouFra fraternities, both the OFS Elective Chapter and the YouFra National Assembly concluded with lunch.
The experience of this Chapter with its beautiful, serene and joyful atmosphere, will continue to resonate with the participants for a long time.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI
