On September 2-5, 2019, the Ordinary Custodial Chapter of the Provincial Custody of St. Daniel and Companion Martyrs in Italy (Calabria) took place at the La Tonnara reception facility in Amantea, Province of Cosenza, Italy.
Friar Cosimo M. Michele ANTONINO, the Minister Provincial of Naples, presided over the Chapter. He was assisted by Friar Giovanni VOLTAN, the Assistant General for the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP). Others present included Friar Joaquín Ángel AGESTA CUEVAS, the former Assistant General for the FIMP Federation; Friar Giorgio TUFANO, the Provincial Secretary of Naples; and Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO, the Procurator General of the Order.
The Chapter began with a reflection led by Friar Ippolito FORTINO, OFM Cap., on a report entitled “Being for Others and with Others, as Itinerants, ‘Pilgrims and Strangers in This World’ of Increasing Mobility (Later Rule VI, 2)”. As the work of the Chapter got underway, a letter was read to the Assembly, which was sent to the friars of Calabria by Friar Gaspare LA BARBERA, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Agatha and St. Lucy in Italy (Sicily). Next, reports specified by the Directory for the Celebration of Chapters were read and discussed. Then, the Capitulars defined the work to be carried out for the second part of the Chapter and the Custodial Four-Year Plan.
Taking advantage of the presence of the Procurator General, the Capitulars presented a timeline for the Custody of Calabria and the Province of Sicily to move towards unification, in keeping with Motion No. 15 of the 2019 Ordinary General Chapter.
On September 4, 2019, Friar Giorgio M. TASSONE was elected the new Provincial Custos by a large margin. Next, the members of the Custodial Definitory were elected. They are Friars Paolo SERGI, Custodial Vicar and Definitor; Piotr ANZULEWICZ, Custodial Secretary and Definitor; Ilario SCALI, Definitor; and Rocco PREDOTI, Definitor.
On the last day, the Chapter welcomed Friar Gaspare LA BARBERA; Mr. Vincenzo Cecè ALAMPI, the Regional Minister of the Secular Franciscan Order; and Mr. Giuseppe IEPPARIELLO, the Regional President of Franciscan Youth.
The second part of the Chapter is scheduled for October 7, 2019.
Friar Rocco PREDOTI, Chapter Secretary
