On July 18-20, the National Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) in Hungary was held at the Temesvàri Pelbàrt Franciscan Secondary School in Esztergom, Hungary. The school is run by the Friars Minor.

The Chapter was presided over by Danijela REBAC, the National Formator of Croatia and a member of the International Juridical Commission. She was assisted by the General Spiritual Assistant to the OFS, Friar Alfred PARAMBAKATHU, OFM Conv. On Thursday afternoon, the Chapter began with a presentation by Szabolcs VÀRADI, OFS, on “The Devotion to Mary”. It was followed by a prayer session animated by the OFS National Spiritual Assistant, Friar Tihamér PAPP, OFM. The opening Mass was presided over by Friar Làszlò Zatykò, OFM. At the end of the Mass, the annual “For the Merciful Love of Christ” Award was presented to an OFS member. On Friday morning, Danijela gave a presentation on “The Co-Responsibility and Subsidiarity of the Councils”. Tibor KAUSER, the OFS General Minister, received a special invitation to attend the National Chapter of his country. He spoke on “The Identity of OFS and the Role of the Councils”. This was followed by reports presented by the National Minister, the National Treasurer and the National Spiritual Assistant. Elections were held in the afternoon. Làzlò KEREKES was reelected as the National Minister and Màrton BEKE was reelected as the International Councilor. Immediately after the elections, Danijela and Friar Alfred met with the new National Council and the Spiritual Assistants. There was one member of the OFM Cap, one member of the OFM Conv., four members of the OFM and three Franciscan sisters. Friar Alfred presided over Mass on Friday evening. During the Mass, Danijela installed the new Council. On Saturday morning, two more presentations were given: “Developments of OFS at the International Level” by Friar Alfred and “Preparation for the 2020 World Eucharistic Congress in Budapest” by Friar Kornél FÀBRY, the main organizer of the Congress. The concluding Mass was presided over by Friar Tihamér PAPP OFM. The entire Chapter took place in a very fraternal and orderly manner.

Friar Alfred PARAMBAKATHU