Panama, like any other country, holds many wonders. Some of them, such as its famous Canal or the view of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that can be seen with the naked eye from the heights of Cerro Ancón, are known throughout the world. Others, however, are known only to a few. Among these is the newest local fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), San Padre Pío de Pietrelcina Fraternity, which was canonically erected on May 17, 2026.
The National OFS Fraternity of Panama has seventy-nine members organized into seven local fraternities. During May 27-31, 2026, the National Fraternity received a fraternal and pastoral visit from the International Council of the Secular Franciscan Order (CIOFS). On Wednesday, May 27, the Council visited the San Maximiliano Kolbe local fraternity. On Thursday, visitors Ana María RAFFO LAOS and Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFM Conv. met with the National Spiritual Assistant for Panama, Friar Ignacio IZAGUIRRE, OFM Cap., several members of the National Council, the Provincial Custos of Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua, Friar Mauricio MONGE RIVERA, OFM Cap., and Friar José OLMOS, OFM, the Delegate of the Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Central America, Panama, and the Caribbean, Friar Edgardo PÉREZ, OFM. The day concluded with a visit to the local Santa Clara fraternity.
On Friday, May 29, at 12:30 p.m., the visitors met with the Most Reverend José Domingo ULLOA, Archbishop of Panama. During the meeting, they discussed several topics with the Archbishop and welcomed his recommendations. Archbishop ULLOA stressed that the OFS of Panama must overcome the temptation to act like a mere parish group and instead become more visible within society.
On May 29-31 the National Elective Chapter of the OFS of Panama was conducted at the Casa de Oración Asís run by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate, in Cermeño, Capira District, Panama. The first day began at 5:30 p.m. with the opening Mass and concluded with Eucharistic adoration at 10:00 p.m. The second day focused on the presentation of reports, formation sessions led by Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI and Ana María RAFFO LAOS, and the election of the new National Council. The thirty-two Capitulars present elected Edgardo Antonio PÉREZ ÁGUILA as National Minister. The new National Council was installed on Sunday, during the 7:00 a.m. Mass. The Chapter work then continued with group activities.
Throughout the visit, the two CIOFS representatives held private meetings with all members of the outgoing Council and with anyone else who wished to meet them. Finally, Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI and Ana María RAFFO LAOS held a joint meeting with the outgoing and newly elected National Councils and offered a formation session for the new Council.
The Chapter took place in an atmosphere of profound fraternity and concluded on Sunday afternoon. The Capitulars returned home happy that they got to share time together as brothers and sisters.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI
