On Monday, October 12, 2020, the Province of the Franciscan Protomartyrs in Zambia held its 6th Ordinary Provincial Chapter. The Minister Provincial, Friar Ferena LAMBE, presided over the opening of the Chapter which was conducted in the Chapter hall of the Franciscan Centre in Ndola. The Assistant General for the African Federation of Conventual Franciscans (AFCOF), Friar Anthony Bezo KUTIERO, was also present.
Earlier that morning, the Capitulars attended a half-day session of recollection. It began with Eucharistic adoration and personal reflection and ended with Mass. Reflecting on the Conventual Franciscan identity, Friar Linus Chitambo MULENGA challenged the Capitulars about the necessity of letting the Franciscan identity shape their vision of reality.
On October 13-15, 2020, the Capitulars deliberated on the issues that will drive the Province over the next four years. These included the 2020-2024 Provincial Four-Year Plan and the Motions approved by the 2019 General Chapter. The theme for this four-year term is: “Rekindling Our Franciscan Charism and Identity in Our Communities and in Our Apostolic Life.” During the Chapter, Capitulars Matthew MUMBA, Stephen Kakulwa MWAPE, Charles MUKUKA and Sidney Mubanga CHIBUYE celebrated their 20th anniversary of priesthood.
On Friday October 16, 2020, the last day of the Chapter, the Guardians for all nineteen communities of the Province were selected. In addition, the Capitulars chose the Directors of Formation Houses, Chairpersons of Commissions and other Provincial assignments. The Chapter ended with a commemoration of the friars who had died during the last four-year term.
Friar Justin Kangwa MULENGA, Chapter Secretary
