On June 14-18, 2021, the first part of the Ordinary Provincial Chapter of the Italian Province of St. Francis of Assisi (Central Italy) was celebrated at the Oasis of St. Francis Retreat Center in Foligno, Italy.

After the Provincial Chapter opened with Mass, the first session began at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, June 14, presided over by the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI. Also present was the Assistant General for the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP), Friar Giovanni VOLTAN. After confirming certain tasks planned for the first session, the Capitulars immediately proceeded to hear the report of the FIMP Assistant General regarding the general visitation he had carried out.
On the second day, the reading of the Assistant General’s report concluded and the Capitulars went on to hear a report from the outgoing Minister Provincial, Friar Franco BONAMANO, as well as reports from the Provincial missions, including the Provincial Delegation in Cuba and the Provincial Custody of St Bonaventure in Brazil. In the afternoon, time was dedicated to economic issues, particularly the report from the Provincial Econom, Friar Sergio COGNIGNI, and a report from the General Procurator, Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO.
On Wednesday, June 16, time was dedicated to hearing summarized reports from the various Provincial commissions, from the Assistants of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), the Militia of the Immaculata (M.I.) the Poor Clares, and the Provincial Delegate for initial formation. Finally, a letter from the Franciscan Youth Center of Assisi was read on the theme of youth and vocation ministry.
The afternoon and the next morning were completely dedicated to doing work in groups. The groups then presented their conclusions during the late morning on Thursday, June 17. The third session of the Chapter began that afternoon, with the confirmation and proclamation of Friar Francesco LENTI as the new Minister Provincial. Friar Francesco made his Profession of Faith and professed his oath of office into the hands of the Minister General, who afterwards, exhorted Friar Francesco about the need for good governance in the Province.
The fourth session began at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 18. At that time, the members of the Provincial Definitory were elected. They are: Friars Marco BELLACHIOMA, Massimo MASSIMI, Salvatore SANNA, and Daniele GIOMBINI, Definitors. Friar Albino TANUCCI was elected Vicar Provincial and Friar Daniele SCIACCA was elected Provincial Secretary. Both the Minister Provincial and the Definitors were elected to their first term in office.
The Capitulars also elected the Delegate to the General Chapter, Friar Roberto TAMANTI.
Later that Friday, the Vicar Provincial and the Definitors made their Profession of Faith. Around 1:00 p.m., the first part of the Ordinary Provincial Chapter concluded. The second part will be celebrated starting July 19, 2021, at the Seraphicum in Rome.

Friar Daniele SCIACCA, Chapter Secretary