On November 9-16, 2024, the 17th General Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) was celebrated at the Seraphicum College in Rome. The theme of the Chapter was: “You Are Love.” The Chapter began on Saturday, November 9, at 4:30 p.m. with the celebration of Mass.
The program each day began with Mass at 7:30 a.m. The work of the Chapter was conducted from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and again, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. On the second day, Sunday, November 10, after the organizational session, the reports of the OFS Minister General, the OFS General Treasurer and the President of the Conference of General Spiritual Assistants (CAS) were read. This was followed by group work and discussion regarding these reports.
On the third day, the Capitulars approved the reports and international statutes. On the fourth day, Wednesday, the participants made a special pilgrimage to La Verna, where they also celebrated Mass. The fifth day was dedicated to a round table discussion on the main theme, “You Are Love,” and some important projects, including one for Africa. On the sixth day, Friday, the status of the Franciscan Youth was presented along with some specific priorities and financial guidelines. On Saturday, the Capitulars were presented with the budget, the final message and some particular projects to be voted on. On Sunday, they voted on the final message of this ordinary Chapter, and the proceedings ended with Mass at 11:00 a.m.
The priorities for the next three years are: formation, family life and vocational promotion.
The one hundred and three Capitulars came from fifty-four countries. Each evening, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., they enjoyed some recreation time, led by brothers and sisters from around the world.
The Ministers General of the First Order and the TOR, and the General Spiritual Assistants, took turns presiding over the daily Mass. This highlighted the life-giving unity between the OFS and the larger Franciscan Family.
Friar Ștefan ACATRINEI, OFS General Spiritual Assistant
