After Sunday’s day of rest, which was characterized by the solemnity of Pentecost and the friars’ feast for the newly-elected Minister General, the capitular activities began again in the Chapter Hall at 9.00am, with the intervention by Fr. Marco Tasca.  In a simple way, the Minister General revealed how he has taken on his unexpected election with surprise and fear, but with faith in the help of God and his brothers in fulfilling his ministry as guide of our family.  The various indications by the General Secretary of the Chapter, Fr. Vincenzo Marcoli, followed, by demonstrating the order of the day.  The morning’s session was dedicated to the discussion on the person and role of the Vicar General and the Assistants, as well as the various Secretariats of the Order.

Today also saw the presence of the other members of our grand Franciscan family: the Chapter welcomed in the Chapter Hall, Mr. Benedetto Lino, Councillor of the International SFO Centre, who, on behalf of the SFO Minister General (who visited us last Monday) greeted the new Minister General and renewed our links of communion which ties the First Order to the Secular Franciscan Order.  Just before Mass began, we also welcomed Fr. Mauro Jöhri, Minister General of the Capuchin Franciscans and also the current President of the Conference of Ministers General.  Both he, and our outgoing Minister General, Fr. Joachim Giermek, were the main concelebrants at the Mass celebrated in the Lower Basilica, presided by Fr. Marco (whose homily will be published in full).

During the afternoon the Capitulars met in their Coetuses to follow the discussion that began this morning and to talk about candidates that they will have to propose to the Chapter as Assistants General.  Let us continue to invoke the Holy Spirit on the decisions made by our confreres, so that everything may continue following the heart of God.

» Homily of the Minister General