The new Directory for the Celebration of the Provincial Chapter specifies that in the months leading up to the first part of the Provincial Chapter, a Pre-Chapter Assembly is held “with the aim of carrying out a synodal evaluation of the life of the Province” (cf. nos. 15-17). This is done through the reading of the reports by the Minister Provincial, Friar Cosimo ANTONINO, and the General Visitator, Friar Giovanni VOLTAN.
The Province of the Seraphic Father St. Francis in Italy (Naples) conducted its first Pre-Chapter Assembly in December of 2024, in two shifts, to facilitate the participation of all the friars. In January of 2025, it conducted an additional Assembly, in three different locations, to make it easier for friars from nearby friaries to attend.
A summary document and reports on the works and activities of the Province were sent to all the communities. On February 24-28, 2025, the Province celebrated the first part of its Ordinary Provincial Chapter. Those attending included the Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI; the Assistant General for the FIMP Federation, Friar Giovanni VOLTAN; the General Procurator, Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO; twenty elected Delegates; and six Definitors. The event took place at the Handmaids of Christ the King Institute in Castellammare di Stabia, Italy.
Father Luca BASSO, a professor of Dogmatic Theology in the Diocese of Salerno, Italy, gave the spiritual introduction. The theme of his reflection was: “Belonging: Humanity, Community and Consecration.” The first aspect of belonging is remembering that, like Francis, we are called to become wounded healers (cf. Lk 10:25-37). The second is recalling that baptism is our grounding in the Church, and living the Rule is our grounding in the Fraternity (cf. Jn 13:13-16). The third aspect of belonging concerns the grace of consecrated life, the perfection and fulfillment of our baptism (cf. Lk 4:14-21), through the example and testimony of St. Francis of Assisi.
The work of the Chapter was carried out with serenity and harmony as the Capitulars listened to different reports on the works and activities of the Province. There was a fraternal exchange on the strengths and weaknesses of our presences in various communities and parishes, and in the local area, with corresponding proposals.
The elective session was held on February 27-28. The following were elected: Friar Claudio IORIS, Minister Provincial; Friar Damiano ANTONINO, Vicar Provincial; Friar Giorgio TUFANO, Provincial Secretary, and Friars Luigi CARILLO and Paolo D’ALESSANDRO, Definitors.
Friar Giorgio TUFANO, Provincial Secretary
