On September 27-29, 2024, the National Elective Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in Lithuania was celebrated at the Friars Minor Friary of the Annunciation in Kretinga, Lithuania.

The National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in Lithuania has 383 solemnly professed members, spread among twenty local fraternities grouped into three regional fraternities.
The Elective Chapter began with Mass presided over by Friar Evaldas DARULIS, a Minister Provincial with the Friars Minor. After the Capitulars approved the Chapter program, Dina SHABALINA, a member of the International Council of the Secular Franciscan Order (CIOFS) spoke about the meaning of the Secular Franciscan vocation. Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFM Conv., a representative of the Conference of General Spiritual Assistants (CAS), spoke about the attitude of service, reinspired by the account of St. Francis receiving the gift of the stigmata. The Chapter continued according to its scheduled program with the presentation of the reports. The first day ended at 9:30 p.m., with an hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
The Chapter proceedings resumed on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with Morning Prayer. While the Capitulars continued with the program, Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI met with the two OFS National Spiritual Assistants, and the four local Spiritual Assistants. During this meeting, the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants was formed. Friar Antanas GRABNICKAS, OFM, was elected President of the Conference and Piotr STROCEŃ, OFM Conv., was elected Secretary. They will hold office for the next two years.
The twenty-six Capitulars present elected Jogilė Teresa RAMONAITĖ as National Minister. The new OFS National Council was installed during Mass at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Poor Clares. The second day ended with a fraternal evening.
After spending Sunday morning planning for the next three-year term, the Chapter ended with Mass at 2:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Lithuanian Martyrs.
The Chapter was well-planned and beautifully celebrated. The Capitulars enjoyed every moment of working and praying together.

Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI

no images were found