On August 24-28, 2020, the first part of the 6th Ordinary Provincial Chapter of the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia was held at the St. Francis of Assisi Friary in Ndola, Zambia. The Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI, presided.
The Capitulars began the Chapter with a day of recollection led by the Most Reverend Charles KASONDE, Bishop of Solwezi, Zambia. Bishop KASONDE presented lectures on self-knowledge and the possibilities of personal growth and stewardship. He also spoke at length about moral vibrancy: faith, hope and love. In addition, he discussed the sacraments, placing particular emphasis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He challenged the Capitulars on the need to have a change of heart and to begin anew.
Forty-four Capitulars attended the Chapter. Also present were the Minister General and Friar Anthony Bezo KUTIERO, the Assistant General for the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF). After the reports were read, the Capitulars were given an opportunity to examine the life and activities of the Province, namely, its past and future.
On Thursday morning, August 27, 2020, eighty-eight solemnly professed friars of the Province gathered in the Church of St. Anthony of Padua at the Franciscan Centre in Ndola for the election of the Minister Provincial. Friar Ferdinand Lambert Katolo (Ferena Lambe Katolo) was elected Minister Provincial. Friar Ferena previously served as Minister Provincial from 2012 to 2016. At the time of his election, he had been serving as the Director of the Mission Press.
On Friday, August 28, 2020, the members of the Provincial Definitory were elected. They are Friars Mathew Kayombo MUKOSAYI, Vicar Provincial; Mathews KASONGO, Provincial Secretary (second term); and Linus MULENGA, Charles MUKUKA, Kennedy MUSEKWA, Hilary MULENGA (second term) and Stephen CHISHALA, Definitors.
The second part of the Chapter has been scheduled for October 12-16, 2020. At that time, the Capitulars will approve the Provincial Four-Year Plan and elect the Provincial Econom, the Guardians and the Directors of the Commissions.
Friar Justin MULENGA, Chapter Secretary
