At 7:00 a.m., the Vicar General, Friar Jan MACIEJOWSKI, presided over the votive Mass of the Holy Spirit. His homily, in Italian and Polish, reflected on Jesus’ will regarding his disciples: that they may be one (Jn 17). We are called to overcome all divisions in order to be truly brothers. We must not listen to the spirit of division and discord, but to the Holy Spirit, who creates perfect unity amid the diversity of each person.
Starting in the morning and continuing throughout the day, the Capitulars listened to and discussed the summaries of the various reports from the main General Offices.
The Postulator General, Friar Zdzisław KIJAS, presented the causes for beatification currently underway in our Order, reminding everyone that holiness must always be promoted, as it helps individuals rediscover their identity. He specifically highlighted the increasing number of requests for relics, which must be carefully evaluated to avoid responding to requests that are not always transparent or genuine.
The General Delegate for the Second Order, Friar Germano TOGNETTI, highlighted the importance of St. Clare in our Franciscan charism. Unfortunately, the Federation of Urbanist Poor Clares is facing some significant challenges, such as aging and a decline in vocations. However, it was noted that the six Poor Clare monasteries in Poland remain vibrant and well-established.
The General Delegate for Assistance to the M.I., Friar Gilson Miguel NUNES, reported on the relevance and missionary boldness of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe, whose legacy continues to bear fruit around the world. Every confrere is called to be more attentive and available in promoting Marian spirituality and in forming lay people who are devoted to the Immaculata.
The General Delegate for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation, Friar Michael LASKY, recalled the many formation initiatives he carried out on specific topics in his field, particularly in Vietnam and Kenya. He passionately proposed the idea of an Extraordinary General Chapter to explore how, with the light and strength of the Holy Spirit, we can help build a Church founded on the love of God and a sign of unity — a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world, proclaims the Word, allows itself to be challenged by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity. The Chapter would explore the natural connection between Franciscan spirituality and the social teaching of the Church in the light of initial formation, continuing formation and the ministries of the friars.
The General Spiritual Assistant to the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, stated that our lay members are numerous and very active in both formation and pastoral work, including youth ministry (YouFra). Often, our difficulty lies in accepting that our role should be limited to that of spiritual companions and collaborators with other branches of the Franciscan Family.
The General Delegate for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue, Friar Jerzy NOREL, recalled the importance of the “Spirit of Assisi,” which continues to inspire many initiatives both locally and globally. He also noted challenges in adapting the “Franciscanum Project” to meet the evolving needs of the Order, the General Custody of the Sacred Convent of St. Francis in Assisi, and the needs of the friars willing to engage in this ever-changing area.
The General Delegate for Communications, Friar Alejandro PALACIOS VÁZQUEZ, highlighted the crucial role his office plays in connecting friars and Jurisdictions. Transmitting and sharing news and documents of the Order is vital, especially when done in collaboration with members of the Order’s leadership and General Offices. He also stressed the importance of translation work and the opportunities offered by new social communication tools.
The Procurator General, Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO, reported a high number of departures from the Order, particularly transitions to the secular clergy. Although rare, cases of serious crimes reserved to the Holy See—especially those involving abuse of vulnerable individuals—do exist within the Order. There is an increasing focus on initial formation, but continuing formation remains deficient, especially in the first years of solemn profession and priestly ministry.
Finally, the General Econom, Friar Nicola ROSA, concluded the Chapter proceedings for the day. He noted the generous willingness of Jurisdictions in supporting the initial formation of many friars. Income primarily comes from Provinces and rental properties belonging to the general patrimony. Expenditures are mainly for the maintenance and renovation of the General Houses. Among the many projects completed, the most important was the renovation and expansion of the Seraphicum Holiday House in Rome.
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