On June 26-29, 2018, the Provincial Custody of St. Anthony of Padua in Ghana celebrated the second part of its Ordinary Custodial Chapter. The Minister Provincial, Friar Giovanni VOLTAN, presided. Friar Tadeusz ŚWIĄTKOWSKI, the Assistant General for the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF) was present, along with Friar Valerio FOLLI. In all, there were twenty-eight Capitulars.
The first day of the Chapter was dedicated to group work in which the Instrumentum laboris was discussed, with the aim of defining the Four-Year Plan of the Custody.
On the second day, there was open discussion in the lecture room; all of the friars were able to give their evaluation of the life of the Custody over the last four years. Later, they discussed proposals to be drawn up for the next four years.
The Capitulars in the lecture room then chose to discuss the draft of the Four-Year Plan. After the discussion, they proceeded to vote on the Four-Year Plan and various Chapter motions. Among the most significant decisions of the Chapter was to open a new presence in Nigeria, gradually, in collaboration with other Jurisdictions of the AFCOF Federation.
Later, the Capitulars listened to explanations regarding the new approach to financial matters in the Custody. In accordance with this approach, the Financial Commission will henceforth have an important role in the Custody. The Capitulars then moved on to elect two friars to the following offices: Custodial Econom – Friar Martino CORAZZIN (third term), Custodial Exactor – Friar Moses ARTHUR (first term).
On the last day of the Chapter, five new guardians were elected: in Accra – Friar Eugene ANTWI-BOASIAKO; in Saltpond – Friar Isaak FRIMPONG; in Elmina – Friar Martino CORAZZIN; in Takoradi – Friar Martin de Porres HATTOH; and in Sunyani – Friar Pius ASARE. The Capitulars also elected the Custody’s heads of formation: Postulancy Director – Friar Charles Ekow AMOAH; Novice Master – Friar Moses Kabenla ARTHUR; and Director of Philosophy Studies – Friar Anthony Senanu ASUH. Friar Gregory Abangiba LOVE was reconfirmed as Vocations Promoter.
The Chapter concluded with a solemn procession to the Custodial cemetery and a prayer for the deceased friars.
Friar Tadeusz ŚWIĄTKOWSKI, Assistant General for the AFCOF
