From April 28 to May 2, 2025, the Province of the Seraphic Father St. Francis in Italy (Naples) conducted the second part of its Ordinary Provincial Chapter, as set forth by the new Directory for the Celebration of Chapters. The event took place at the Il Tetto Hotel in Melfi, Italy.
The Minister Provincial, Friar Claudio IORIS, and the Assistant General for the Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali (FIMP), Friar Giovanni VOLTAN led the Chapter proceedings. They began with the formulation of the Provincial Four-Year Plan, which required more time than initially expected.
A long discussion with the lawyer of the Province, Mr. COZZOLINO, helped clarify the need for careful and timely administration, including a full inventory of assets and the separation of the “historical” archive from the “current” one.
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO spoke about the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Order’s mission in China and presented a new book: “China: The Missionary Dawn.”
A cordial and fraternal meeting was held with the Most Reverend, Ciro FANELLI, Bishop of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa, Italy, who presided over solemn Mass at the cathedral in Melfi.
During the Chapter assembly, a fifth Provincial Definitor was elected, along with the Guardians for the ten friaries, the heads of formation, other Provincial office holders, and the Presidents of the three Commissions tasked with coordinating and promoting the mission of the Province.
Finally, the last session of the Chapter was dedicated, with affection and nostalgia, to the memory of the friars who died during the last four-year term, with the reading of a personalized tribute to each of the eleven friars who returned to the House of the Father.
The Chapter came to a close with the singing of the Te Deum, a Seraphic blessing and the farewell “Dearest brothers, go in peace!”
Friar Giorgio TUFANO, Provincial Secretary
