On January 13-15, 2024, the national fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in India celebrated its 17th National Elective Chapter. The theme of the Chapter was “Franciscan Servant Leadership in family life and social life in the modern world.”
The event was held at the retreat center at the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health in Velankanni, Tamil Nadu State, India. The International Councilor for Asia and Oceania, Francis Byong Ju PARK, serving as the Delegate of the OFS Minister General, Tibor KAUSER, presided over the Chapter. Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFM Conv., was present as a representative of the Conference of General Spiritual Assistants (CAS). The national OFS fraternity of India currently numbers approximately fourteen thousand members. It is made up of one hundred and two established regional fraternities and seven established fraternities, divided into six areas:
1. Kerala, Latin Rite
2. Kerala, Syro-Malabar Rite
3. Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry
4. Karnataka
5. Goa
6. Jharkhand
At 4:30 p.m., Saturday, January 13, all of the Capitulars gathered in front of the statue of St. Francis of Assisi, located near the Shrine, and marched in procession towards the Chapter Hall, where, at 4:45 p.m., Friar Charles, OFM Cap., the National Spiritual Assistant, opened the Chapter with prayer. After the initial greeting from the National Minister, Mass was celebrated at 6:00 p.m. with the Minister Provincial, Friar Lawrence SUSAINATHAN, OFM Cap., presiding. The concelebrants included the representative of the Conference of General Spiritual Assistants and the three National Spiritual Assistants present, Friar Charls RAYAPPAN, OFM Cap., Friar James CHOORAMANA DEVASSYKUTTY, OFM Conv., and Friar Eugene AMBROSE, OFM. After the Mass, the Chapter continued with the presentation of various reports.
At 6:00 a.m., the program on Sunday began with Morning Prayer and meditation, followed by scheduled sessions. In the afternoon, the Capitulars elected Oliver FERNANDO as the National Minister for his third consecutive mandate. They also elected the members of the National Council. According to the National Statutes the National Minister is also the International Councilor. At 7:00 p.m., Mass was celebrated, presided over by Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, with the National Spiritual Assistants concelebrating. During the Mass, the new National Council was installed. At 9:00 p.m., the Trichy regional fraternity presented an art program.
The Chapter concluded on Monday, January 15, with Mass at noon presided over by Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI and concelebrated by the Spiritual Assistants. Ninety-one Capitulars and eight observers took part in the Chapter, which was conducted in a serene and fraternal atmosphere.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI
