From June 30 to July 2, 2023, the Secular Franciscan Order of Indonesia celebrated its sixth Elective Chapter at the Sanjaya Muntilan Pastoral Center in Central Java, Indonesia.
The Capitulars came from ten different areas of Indonesia, namely, Central Java, West Java, Medan, Pontianak, Sibolga, Nias, Palembang, Lampung, Papua and Bajawa. The Capitulars from the areas of Manggarai and Makassar were unable to attend due to various problems.
The Chapter was presided over by Francis Byung Ju PARK, who came from South Korea as an envoy of the OFS Minister General, Tibor KAUSER. The General Spiritual Assistant to the OFS, Friar Ştefan ACATRINEI, was present as a witness representing the International Conference of Spiritual Assistants to the OFS.
The theme of the Chapter was: “The OFS Is Called to Be the Church in the Midst of the World.”
The members of the National Council elected for the 2023-26 term are: Ernest MARIYANTO (Minister); Mukdin Markus RAPA (Vice-Minister); Ivonna Sri Endah RAHAYU (Formator and 1st International Councilor); Sulastri PASARIBU (Secretary); Andreas DERMAWAN (Treasurer); and Ernest MARIYANTO (2nd International Councilor). On July 2-3, 2023, at the end of the Chapter, the Spiritual Assistants present took part in a course on spiritual direction. The speakers were the National Spiritual Assistants: Friar Thomas Ferry SUHARTO, OFM; Friar Bonaventura H. R. GULTOM, OFM Conv., and Friar Gabriel, OFM Cap. The spiritual assistants appreciated the course because it opened up new horizons and provided a correct understanding of the spirituality, history and service of the OFS.
Friar Fictorium N. GINTING
