On November 17-20, 2025, the Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia celebrated the first part of its 9ᵗʰ Ordinary Custodial Chapter. The event took place in Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.
The Chapter was presided over by the Minister General, Friar Carlos Alberto TROVARELLI. Others present included the Assistant General for the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC), Friar Rogério PEREIRA XAVIER; the Minister Provincial of the Mother Province of Our Lady of Montserrat in Spain, Friar Juan Antonio ADÁNEZ SILVÁN; and all the friars of the Custody, who conducted this event in an atmosphere of fraternity, discernment, and ecclesial communion.
This first part of the Chapter was dedicated to reflecting on, and evaluating, the life of the Custody, beginning with the work carried out in the Pre-Chapter Assembly last August. Inspired by the Franciscan charism, the friars reviewed their communal, pastoral, and spiritual journey, in a spirit of simplicity and hope, recognizing challenges and giving thanks for the successes that the Lord granted them during the last four-year term.
The Capitulars then elected the members of the new Custodial Government for the next four-year term. Friar Sidifredo de la Cruz CHAPARRO GUALDRÓN was re-elected as the Provincial Custos; Friar Daniel Andrés BOHÓRQUEZ GALVIS was elected Custodial Vicar (first term); Friar Jair del Cristo CONTRERAS LÁZARO was elected to his second term as the Custodial Secretary; and Friars Segundo Arsenio ANACONA BECERRA and Fabián Alberto MARTÍNEZ ARAQUE were elected to their first term as Definitors.
In the spirit of gratitude, we thank God for this time of grace and renewal. We ask the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi, that he may guide and strengthen the friars elected to the service of authority. May they lead the Custody of Colombia with humility and wisdom over the next four years, in a spirit of service, mission, and being configured to Christ, poor, humble, and crucified.
Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Colombia
