On July 2-6, 2018, the friars of the Provincial Custody of the Orient and the Holy Land celebrated the second part of their Ordinary Custodial Chapter in Istanbul-Turkey.
The Provincial Custos of the Orient and the Holy Land, Friar Anton BULAI, presided over this fraternal event. Also present were Friar Joaquín AGUESTA CUEVAS, the Assistant General for the Federation of Intermediterranean Ministers Provincial (FIMP) and Friar Teofil PETRIŞOR, the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania.
The Capitulars reside in Turkey and Lebanon. Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO, the Procurator General of the Order, met with them and gave a spiritual introduction to start the work of the Chapter.
During the Chapter, Friar Dominique MATHIEU, who had not been present for the first part, was elected a member of the Custodial Definitory. He took an oath to carry out this service with dedication.
Important decisions were made during this Chapter for the life of the Custody. The Capitulars approved the Custodial Statutes and accepted various pastoral and charitable activities. They approved the management of some real estate and some issues regarding vocations and formation animation.
During Mass on the last day, some deceased friars were commemorated, in particular, Friar Alfons SAMMUT from the Province of St. Paul the Apostle in Malta, who spent many years in Turkey. He went to the House of the Father on June 28, 2018.
Also during that Mass, the new guardians took their oath of office. They are Friar Martın KMETEC for the community of Büyükdere (Istanbul-Turkey); Friar Iulian PIŞTA for Beyoĝlu (Istanbul-Turkey); Friar Felician TAMAŞ for Sin-el-Fil (Beirut-Lebanon); and finally, Friar Iosif Florin PETRILA for the friary of Zahle (Lebanon).
Friar Lucian ABALINTOAIEI, Chapter Secretary
