On November 25-27, 2025, the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines held its Pre-Chapter Assembly. The event took place at the St. Joseph Friary in Tagaytay City, Philippines. The Assembly began with a Mass of the Holy Spirit presided over by the Provincial Custos, Friar Emmanuel GIVA. During the first session, Friar Dennis VARGAS presented the agenda of the Assembly.
Afterwards, Chapter committee heads were proposed and the Letter of Convocation from the Mother Province of Naples was read out.
The Capitulars listened to several reports including the report from the Assistant General for the Federation of Asian Minor Conventuals (FAMC), Friar Giuseppe PARK on his general canonical visitation to the Custody. There were also reports at the Provincial and Custodial level, which included updates from the commission heads for formation and worship, and from the Guardians of various friaries. The reports were reviewed during a plenary session, where the participants offered comments, suggestions, and recommendations.
For group work and plenary sessions, the Capitulars divided into five groups of six friars each. Each group discussed assigned topics using a set methodology, then shared their insights and suggestions with the larger Assembly.
On the third day, Attorney Joseph Peter CALLEJA, of the CALLEJA Law firm, briefed the Assembly on the legal concerns related to the Custody’s Tanay property in Rizal. This was followed by a helpful exchange of questions, clarifications, and recommendations.
The Assembly was enriched by various common and fraternal activities that helped build a strong sense of community, such as, common prayer, shared meals, fraternal evenings, and celebrations with the postulants and novices.
Overall, the Pre-Chapter Assembly was a time of collaborative discussion, communal prayer, and shared hopes for the betterment of the Custody.
Friar John Nathan M. MAAGMA, Definitor
