On May 2-5, 2024, a National Elective Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) of Italy was conducted at the Domus Pacis Hotel near the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi.

The event began with an official greeting from the Mayor of Assisi, Stefania PROIETTI, followed by a welcome dinner. After the dinner, all one hundred and forty-five Capitulars, together with fifteen Spiritual Assistants, enjoyed a concert by the Christian rock band “Nuova Civiltà” [A New Civilization], entitled: “L’accoglienza… e poi – Viaggio fra parole e musica.” [A Welcome and Then – a Journey through Words and Music].
On Friday morning, May 3, the Capitulars listened to reports. In the afternoon, however, they made a penitential pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Spoliation [stripping], for a moment of prayer and formation with the Most Reverend Vito PICCINONNA, Bishop of Rieti, Italy. At 6:00 p.m., the Capitulars attended Mass presided over by the Most Reverend Domenico SORRENTINO, Bishop of Assisi.
On Saturday morning, Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFM Conv., a representative of the Conference of General Spiritual Assistants, presided over Mass. At 10:00 a.m., Tibor KAUSER, the OFS Minister General, and Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, each lectured on the theme: “The Secular Franciscan Order in Changing Times.”
The forty-five voting Capitulars re-elected Luca PIRAS as National Minister for a second term and also elected the members of the National Council, who took office immediately.
On Sunday, May 5, at 8:30 a.m., Mass was presided over by the Most Reverend Francesco SAVINO, Bishop of Cassano all’Jonio, Italy and Vice President of the Italian Episcopal Conference. At 10:30 a.m., Bishop SAVINO gave a lecture on the challenges of the times we live in. The Chapter concluded with lunch.
This Chapter was truly a time of grace and fraternity for all of the participants!

Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFS General Spiritual Assistant