On February 19-22, 2018, the Provincial Custody of St. Bonaventure in France-Belgium, of the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua, celebrated its Ordinary Custodial Chapter in Lourdes, France.

All the friars of the Custody participated in the Chapter along with Friar Giovanni VOLTAN, Minister Provincial of Padua, and Friar Joaquín Ángel AGESTA CUEVAS, the Assistant General for the Federazione Inter-mediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP).
Friar Jean-François Marie AUCLAIR, Guardian of Cholet and former Custodial Secretary during the previous four-year term, was elected the new Provincial Custos. Friar Jean-François was born in Orléans, France, on December 2, 1980. He professed his temporary vows on August 28, 2006, in Padua. He professed his solemn vows on November 21, 2009, and was ordained a priest on September 24, 2011.
The new Custodial Definitory is composed as follows: Friar Bernard Marie CERLES, Vicar Custos; Friar Adrian BACIU, Custodial Secretary; and Friar Jack MARDESIC, Custodial Definitor.
Let us join with the confreres of the Custody in assuring the new Superior and his collaborators of our prayers. May their efforts in carrying out the Lord’s will bear fruit.