On July 22-26, 2024, the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M. in Brazil celebrated its 9th Extraordinary Chapter. The event took place at the Sumaré House of Studies in Rio de Janeiro.
On July 22, at 8:00 p.m., the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, officially opened the Chapter. Others present included the Assistant General for the Federación América Latina Conventuales (FALC), Friar Rogério PEREIRA XAVIER; the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Francis in Brazil, Friar José Hugo da Silva SANTOS; and the Provincial Custos, Friar Carlos Roberto de Oliveira CHARLES.
On July 23, Friar Gustavo Wayand MEDELLA, the Vicar Provincial of the Friars Minor Province of the Immaculate Conception in Brazil, offered a spiritual introduction to the Chapter on the theme: “The Sense of Belonging and Charismatic Identity of the Franciscan”.
The friars of the Custody worked on various topics in view of the Custody’s unification with the Province of St. Francis in Brazil. They studied the history of the Province, worked on the Four-Year Custodial Plan and approved some new Motions. The Chapter took place in an atmosphere of sharing and fraternity.
On July 25, His Eminence Cardinal Orani João TEMPESTA (Cistercian), Metropolitan Archbishop of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, visited the Capitulars, sharing words of hope and faith while extending his best wishes for a successful and fruitful Chapter.
On July 26, the Extraordinary Chapter closed with Mass presided over by the Provincial Custos, Friar Carlos Roberto de Oliveira. He expressed his gratitude to God, and to all of the friars, for this entire week of demanding work.
We thank God for all the benefits granted during the Chapter, for the presence of the Minister General, for the valuable contribution made by the Assistant General for the FALC Federation, and for all the friars who participated.
Friar Willian Gomes MENDONÇA, Custodial Secretary
