On March 7-9, 2025, the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in Portugal celebrated its 20th Elective Chapter. The event took place at the Capuchin Franciscan Bible Center in Fatima, Portugal.
On Friday, March 7, the first day of the Chapter, the proceedings began at 2:00 p.m. with the welcoming of the Capitulars, and ended at 11:00 p.m. with the praying of Compline.
On Saturday morning, March 8, a series of four reflections were presented. Friar Álvaro SILVA, OFM; presented: “The Canticle of the Creatures: A Hymn of Praise to the Lord for Our Common Home.” Jose Domingos DOS SANTOS GOMES, FISFA [Fraternity of the Little Brothers of St. Francis of Assisi], presented: “Franciscan Fraternity: A Path of Hope.” Noemi Paola RICCARDI presented; “The OFS in the World” Finally, Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFM Conv., presented: “The Source of the Generating Energy of Praise.”
At 2:00 p.m., the outgoing OFS National Minister, Rui SILVA, reported on the current status of the OFS in Portugal. The elective session of the Chapter began at 5:15 p.m. chaired by a member of the International Council of the Secular Franciscan Order (CIOFS), Noemi Paola RICCARDI. Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, representing the Conference of General Spiritual Assistants was the witness. Twenty-nine Capitulars participated along with fifteen auditors. Antonio RAMOS was elected as the new National Minister. The new National Council took office at 9:00 p.m., during the celebration of Mass, presided over by the National Spiritual Assistant, Friar Francesco ERVAS, OFM Conv.
The work of the Chapter resumed on Sunday, March 9, with Morning Prayer at 8:45 a.m., and concluded with Mass presided over by the Capuchin Franciscan Minister Provincial, Friar António DA SILVA MARTINS.
The Chapter was conducted in an atmosphere of prayer, peace, serenity and Franciscan joy.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFS General Assistant
