On August 4–6, 2026, the Provincial Custody of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Tanzania, of the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw), held an Extraordinary Custodial Chapter at the St. Francis of Assisi Friary in Mwanga, Tanzania. The friars at this friary serve the Divine Mercy Shrine and Parish. The Chapter was an important time for fraternity, prayer, discussion, and deliberation on important matters concerning the life and mission of the Custody.
The Chapter gathered the friars of the Custody and gave them an opportunity to live together as brothers, share their experiences, discuss various matters, and exchange ideas concerning the present and future of the Franciscan mission in Tanzania. It was also a joyful event that strengthened the bonds of fraternity among the friars.
Those attending the Extraordinary Chapter included Friar David BLOWEY, the Assistant General for the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF), representing the Minister General, Friar Carlos Alberto TROVARELLI, and Friar Blasio Ooko OLENGE, the Assistant General for the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF), who was unable to be physically present because he was attending the Ordinary Custodial Chapter was in Ghana.
The Chapter was also honored by the presence of Friar Piotr ŻURKIEWICZ, Minister Provincial of the Province of the Immaculate Mother of God in Poland (Warsaw), and Friar Denis Dominick KUNAMBI, Custos of the Provincial Custody of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in Tanzania, together with the friars of the Custody.
In his opening remarks, Friar David encouraged the friars to remain faithful to their vocation and to continue serving God and his people as Franciscans. He particularly emphasized the importance of prayer and humility in the life of every friar. He reminded the friars that, although each friar is different and may touch people’s lives in different ways, all are called to remain united in the Eucharist and in their Franciscan vocation.
Friar David also encouraged the friars to remain faithful to the Franciscan spirit of taking the lesser part, avoiding pride and attitudes that can cause one to lose the right direction in religious life. He reminded the friars of the importance of continually seeking and discerning the will of God, especially when making decisions concerning personal life, community life, and the mission of the Custody.
The Chapter therefore was more than a time for discussing administrative and pastoral matters, it was also an opportunity for spiritual renewal. The friars were encouraged to look again at their Franciscan identity and to remember that their mission is ultimately rooted in Christ, who calls them to serve with humility, fraternity, and love.
The Extraordinary Chapter concluded in a spirit of gratitude and renewed commitment. The friars returned to their respective communities encouraged to continue working together, supporting one another, and faithfully serving God and His people according to the charism of St. Francis of Assisi and the example of St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe.
The Custody thanks God for this fraternal gathering and prays that the fruits of the Chapter may continue to strengthen the unity, vocation, mission, and Franciscan identity of all the friars.
Friar Eden James MALISA, Custodial Secretary
