On July 20-24, 2026, the friars of the Provincial Custody of St. Bonaventure in Brazil (Maranhão) conducted the first part of their 4th Custodial Chapter. The event was held at the retreat center run by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Saint-Hyacinthe in São Luís do Maranhão, Brazil. The motto of the Chapter was: “Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace.”
The Chapter took place in an atmosphere of prayer, reflection, dialogue, and fraternity. During the Chapter the friars invoked the light of the Holy Spirit as they sought to continue following in the footsteps of the Seraphic Father, St. Francis, with faith, simplicity, and a spirit of service.
On the first day, the Most Reverend Gilberto PASTANA DE OLIVEIRA, Archbishop of São Luís do Maranhão, Brazil, addressed the assembly. He encouraged the friars by reminding them that a Chapter is a time for communal conversion, gratitude, and humility. He also emphasized the importance of looking ahead to the next four-year term and discerning the path that the Holy Spirit calls the Custody to follow.
Friar Rogério PEREIRA XAVIER presided over the Chapter and guided the proceedings with care, prudence, and respect. He reminded the friars that a Chapter is an opportunity to strengthen spiritual life, renew trust in God, and consolidate fraternal bonds.
Another meaningful moment was when the Custos of the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Friar Carlos Roberto de Oliveira CHARLES, gave a reflection on St. Francis of Assisi as a man who truly promoted peace, not only through his words but above all through his simple and deeply Gospel-centered way of life. Friar Carlos’ reflection helped the friars to deepen their understanding of the meaning of the motto chosen for this Chapter.
Friars José de Arimatéia AUTRAN FEITOZA and Carlos Roberto CHARLES were elected as readers of the votes during the elections. The friars’ service in the various roles throughout the Chapter reflected their commitment to fraternity, their sense of responsibility, and their dedication to ensuring the orderly conduct of the proceedings. On July 22, the third day of the Chapter, the Capitulars elected Friar Roberto HONORATO OLIVEIRA DOS REMÉDIOS to his second term as Provincial Custos. His election was welcomed in a spirit of faith and hope. The Capitulars also elected the new Definitors who will assist in governing the Custody during the next four-year term. They are Friars Gleison CONCEIÇÃO DA SILVA (Custodial Vicar); Carlito DO NASCIMENTO SILVA (Custodial Secretary); and José Augusto SANTOS DA SILVA and Wilton ALVES ROCHA (Definitors). Friar Rudolf Cristhian RIQUELME ACOSTA was elected Custodial Econom.
This 4th Custodial Chapter was a time of listening, discernment, and renewal. United in fraternity, the friars renewed their commitment to serve the Church and the People of God by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide the Custody of St. Bonaventure in Brazil throughout this new four-year term, along the path of holiness, mission, and peace, so that its friars may become authentic instruments of peace and goodness in the world.
Friar Rudolf Cristhian RIQUELME ACOSTA
