On September 2-5, 2025, the Minister General of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), Tibor KAUSER, and the OFS General Spiritual Assistant, Friar Stefan ACATRINEI, OFM Conv., conducted a fraternal and pastoral visit to the National OFS Fraternity of New Zealand.
During the first few days, they met with three local fraternities. On Tuesday, they met with the Holy Spirit fraternity in the Hillsborough suburb of Auckland. On Wednesday, they met with the Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians fraternity in West Auckland, a particularly active and innovative group, which is attracting numerous vocations. Finally, on Thursday, they met with the Immaculate Conception fraternity in North Auckland. Friday, September 5, was dedicated to a meeting with the Major Superiors, Friar Philip JEFFARES, OFM and Friar Ephrem TIGGA, OFM Cap., along with the members of the National Council.
On September 6-7, the elective Chapter of the OFS National Fraternity was celebrated at the St. Francis Retreat House of the Friars Minor in Auckland. Currently, the 132 members of the national fraternity are distributed across ten local fraternities and one emerging fraternity (Eight are on New Zealand’s North Island and three on its South Island). The Chapter began on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. with Mass presided over by Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI. The first day was dedicated to the presentation of reports, discussion, and evaluation, culminating in the evening with Eucharistic Adoration and some time for fellowship.
On Sunday, September 7, the work of the Chapter resumed with the recitation of Morning Prayer, followed by a lecture: “The Canticle of the Creatures and Its Spiritual Resonances,” given by Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, representing the Conference of General Spiritual Assistants (CAS). The OFS Minister General, Tibor KAUSER, presided over the elective session, which was attended by fifteen Capitulars with voting rights and four observers. Shirley McGINLEY was elected the National Minister and Paul HITCHFIELD the International Councilor. The new Council was installed during a Mass presided over by Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI.
On Sunday, at 2:00 p.m., the Minister General, Tibor KAUSER, gave the Capitulars a reflection on the Secular Franciscan charism. Afterwards, together with Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, he met with the new OFS National Council.
At 4:00 p.m., after two intensive days of prayer and work carried out in a deeply fraternal atmosphere, the Capitulars took their leave.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI
