From June 30 to July 4, 2025, the second part of the first Ordinary Chapter of the new Italian Province of St. Joseph of Cupertino (Adriatic) took place at the Giovanni XXIII Pastoral Center in Larino, Italy. The new Province was formed by the unification of the Italian Provinces of Abruzzo-Molise and Puglia.
On the afternoon of the first day, the Chapter sessions began, presided over by the Minister Provincial, Friar Daniele MAIORANO, with Friar Giovanni VOLTAN serving as the Delegate of the Minister General.
Discussions during the Chapter were focused on the Instrumentum laboris, which is used to develop a plan for the life of the Province over the next four years. The Capitulars began by analyzing and planning the spiritual life of the Province, focusing on life in God and on the primacy of God. Then they addressed fraternal life in its various aspects, including financial matters and the relationship with social media and its possibilities and risks. Particular attention was paid to the two Provincial communities/infirmaries located in Silvi Marina and in the Grotella district of Copertino. They also discussed the apostolic life and the establishment of common pastoral guidelines. Next, they addressed youth and vocation ministry, and relations with the Custody of Venezuela and the Provincial Delegation of Burkina Faso.
In order to put their ideas into practice, the Capitulars proposed various Motions which were then discussed and approved.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Capitulars visited the Co-Cathedral of Larino where they celebrated Mass presided over by the Minister Provincial.
On July 4, the Capitulars proceeded with the election of the Guardians. The newly elected Guardians are: Friar Alfonso DI FRANCESCO for the Mater Ecclesiae Friary in Bari; Friar Vincenzo GIANNELLI for the San Francesco d’Assisi Friary in Bari; Friar Ugo TERRERI for the Santa Maria dei Lumi Friary in Civitella del Tronto; Friar Fabio PACIELLO for the San Giuseppe Friary in Copertino; Friar Giovanni FOGGETTA for the San Francesco d’Assisi Friary in Gravina; Friar Matteo ORNELLI for the San Francesco d’Assisi Friary in Lanciano; Friar Donato GRILLI for the San Francesco d’Assisi Friary in Lucera; Friar Antonio IOSUE for the Sant’Antonio Friary in Pescara; Friar Roberto DI PAOLO for the Maria Santissima Assunta Friary in Silvi Marina; Friar Pedro-Javier MORA ALVIAREZ for the Maria Ss. Annunziata Friary in Spinazzola; and Friar Attilio TERENZIO for the San Francesco d’Assisi Friary in Tagliacozzo.
The Presidents of the Provincial commissions will be appointed by the Minister Provincial with his Definitory.
The Minister Provincial invited the Guardians, and all the friars, to take care of each other, and to seek and live out the goodness of fraternity. During the final Chapter session, the Guardians took their oath of office, and the deceased friars were commemorated.
Friar Donato GRILLI, Chapter Secretary
