On April 22-23, 2024, all of the elected or confirmed Guardians of the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines, together with the Provincial Custos, Friar Emmanuel GIVA, OFM Conv., met at the La Morada retreat center in the Tambo Kulit neighborhood of Indang, Province of Cavite, the Philippines.

The six Guardians in attendance were: Friars Mariel SANTOS, Bonaventure BAJAR, Gerard LOFRANCO, John Nathan MAAGMA, Lorenzo AVELINO, and Joachim PAZ. The two-day meeting also provided an opportunity for continuing formation for the Guardians as they freely shared their reflections on St. Francis’ Letter to a Minister.
Another important topic explored during this fraternal meeting came from a provision in the newly approved Custodial Statutes which states: “The Guardian with the help of de familia friars commit themselves to enrich and deepen the identity, nature, vision, and mission of the respective friary as determined by the Custodial Chapter. This is guided by the Custodial and friary quadrennial plans.”
A number of concerns were also discussed, among which were the liturgical preaching of the friars, the health of the Custody and certain financial issues it is facing. The Provincial Custos also suggested that the friars should organize a monthly friary day – a fraternal meeting wherein the whole friar community takes a day to carry out the spiritual and business portions of their House Chapter and celebrate a Conventual Mass together.

Friar Emmanuel GIVA
Photos: Friars John Nathan MAAGMA and Joachim PAZ

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