On October 6-8, Ana FRUK, a member of the International Council of the Secular Franciscan Order (CIOFS ) made a fraternal visit to the OFS National Fraternity in Germany. She was accompanied by the General Spiritual Assistant to the OFS, Friar Alfred PARAMBAKATHU, OFM Conv., who conducted a pastoral visit.
The visits took place at the Exerzitienhaus of the Friars Minor in Hofheim am Taunus, near Frankfurt. The visitors met with the entire National Council and with the National Spiritual Assistant, Friar Hermann Josef SCHLEPÜTZ, OFM. There was also an online meeting with Friar Andreas MURK, OFM Conv., Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Elizabeth in Germany together with the OFM Minister Provincial, Friar Cornelius BOHL. The visitors also went to the Church of Our Lady of Frankfurt, served by the Capuchin Franciscans.
On October 8-10, 2021, an OFS National Elective Chapter was celebrated, again at the Exerzitienhaus. Of the twenty-eight Capitulars called, twenty-three were present. The Capitulars elected Ursula CLEMM to her second consecutive term as National Minister. Matthias PETZOLD was elected International Councilor. The National Chapter also decided to establish a new member of the Council to carry out an apostolate to young people and families. Edelgard CURD was elected to this post. The new National Council was installed during Sunday Mass presided over by Friar Hermann Josef SCHLEPÜTZ, OFM. Friar Alfred gave the homily.
Overall, the visits and the Elective Chapter were well organized and conducted in a very fraternal manner.
Friar Alfred PARAMBAKATHU, General Spiritual Assistant to the OFS
