On August 9-11, 2019, the Secular Franciscan (OFS) National Elective Chapter in Paraguay took place at the Santa Maria de los Angeles Retreat Center in Caaguazú. The Center is run by the Friars Minor.
The Chapter was presided over by Silvia Noemi DIANA, a member of the Presidency of the International Council of the Secular Franciscan Order (CIOFS) and delegate of Tibor KAUSER, the OFS General Minister. She was assisted by Friar Alfred PARAMBAKATHU, OFM Conv., General Assistant of OFS-YouFra. The theme of the Chapter was “Like Francis, Proclaiming Christ with One‘s Life and Work“. Those present for the Chapter included twenty-nine Capitulars (out of thirty-one) and around twenty-five observers.
On Friday, the Chapter began with Mass presided over by Friar Edisson CAZALI, OFM Cap., the Regional Spiritual Assistant of Alto Paraná.
On Saturday morning, Silvia Noemi DIANA spoke about “The Double Belonging of YouFra-OFS.“ In the afternoon, Gustavo BENÌTEZ VÀZQUEZ was elected National Minister and International Councilor and Mirtha FERREIRA was elected Vice-Minister and Substitute International Councilor. On Sunday morning, Silvia and Friar Alfred had a meeting with the new Council.
The Chapter also set some priorities for the next triennium.
The concluding Mass was presided over by Friar Alfred. During the Mass, Silvia installed the new Council. Friar Alvaro GONZALEZ, OFM Conv., the National Spiritual Assistant, was present during the entire Chapter. Three Friars Minor and three Friars Minor Capuchin participated at different times during the Chapter. The Spiritual Assistants also came to interact with the Capitulars. The entire Chapter took place in a very fraternal atmosphere.
Friar Alfred PARAMBAKATHU, General Assistant of the OFS
