On July 15-19, 2024, the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania celebrated the second part of its 23rd Ordinary Provincial Chapter. The event took place at the Sf. Francisc de Assisi Friary in Roman, Romania.
Those attending included the Capitulars; the Assistant General for the Federazione Intermediterranea Ministri Provinciali, Friar Giovanni VOLTAN; and the Provincial Custos of the Orient and the Holy Land, Friar Anton BULAI.
The Chapter began with a morning reflection led by Friar Giovanni. He pointed out that, as consecrated persons, the Provincial Chapter is an opportune moment for us to renew our alliance with God. The Chapter becomes a new Sinai, where we embrace the possibilities that the Lord proposes to us.
During the Chapter, the Capitulars elected the Guardians of the Province, the Superiors of the formation houses and other offices stipulated in the Provincial Statutes. The Capitulars also voted to approve the Four-Year Provincial Plan, entitled, “The Life of the Conventual Franciscan Friar: A Lifetime of Formation.”
One special moment during the Chapter was the celebration of a Silver Jubilee Mass commemorating the 25th anniversary of priestly ordination of Friars Damian-Gheorghe PĂTRAŞCU, Cristian BLĂJUŢ and Sorin-Adrian GIURGI. The friars being honored shared the priceless gift that God gave them with all present.
During Mass on the last day of the Chapter, the Guardians made their profession of faith and swore their oaths of office. As the last session of the Chapter began, the Capitulars prayed for the friars who had died during the last four years. With that, the 23rd Ordinary Provincial Chapter was concluded.
Peace and All Good!
Friar Carol Daniel SABĂU
