On July 15-20, 2024, the Capitulars of the Provincial Custody of St. Anthony of Padua in Ghana gathered at the Franciscan Valley of Prayer and Silence in Saltpond, Ghana, for their Extraordinary Custodial Chapter within the 2022-2026 four-year term. The retreat center is also where the Custody’s novitiate is located.
The Chapter had two main goals: to approve the new Custodial Statutes and to evaluate the current four-year term so far, while also reflecting on ways to achieve financial stability and self-reliance, in view of becoming a Province in the years ahead.
Those attending the Chapter included the Assistant General for the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF), Friar Anthony Bezo KUTIERO; the Minister Provincial of the Mother Province, the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua (Northern Italy), Friar Roberto BRANDINELLI (Praeses), and the Provincial Econom of the same Province, Friar Giancarlo CAPITANIO; and the Capitulars from the Provincial Custody of St. Anthony of Padua in Ghana. One Capitular could not be present due to health reasons. However, the remaining forty-nine Capitulars were in attendance. It was a wonderful time to share ideas about our lives as friars and to foster the bond of brotherhood among each other. The discussions were fruitful and peaceful and the main goals were achieved. At the end of the Chapter, the new Custodial Statutes were approved and the friars came up with concrete ideas and steps that will help us become self-reliant and financially stable in the coming years.
Friar Francis Pascal AFFUM, Custodial Secretary
