The third and final week of the Order’s Ninth Plenary Council (PCO IX) began on Monday, October 26, building on the richness of a weekend during which the friar delegates were able to alternate recreation with some compelling cultural and spiritually focused events.

Franciscan Art and History

On the afternoon of Saturday, October 24, the program served as the backdrop for the third event of the art exhibition “Sacri Itinerari Cappuccini 2026” (3rd Edition). The initiative, promoted by the Historical Institute and the Franciscan Museum, was launched with the specific aim of highlighting the artistic legacy of the Capuchin Order’s long history. This project takes on even deeper significance as it is set against the backdrop of the eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis and the preparations for the 500th anniversary of the Order’s Reform.

The goal of the event was to rediscover extraordinarily talented figures (some of whom remain relatively unknown) who left an indelible mark on the regions where they worked. Among the protagonists of this artistic episode were the Baroque painter Br. Michele Minossi of Rome, the papal architect Michele of Bergamo (designer of the famous Church of the Immaculate Conception on Via Veneto), Br. Felice of Sambuca di Sicilia, Stefano da Carpi from Emilia, and the multifaceted Polish artist Br. Efrem of Kcynia, whose works captured illustrious figures such as Pope Pius XI and King Leopold III of Belgium.

The event was capped off by a performance by the Alma Trio, which treated the audience to an evocative musical journey coupling the baroque refinement of the 17th century with the romantic ardor of the second half of the 19th century. This was followed by warm words of thanks to the trio and to the event’s organizer, Br. Gian Nicola Paladino, Director of the Franciscan Museum and President of the Historical Institute, for his ongoing commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage.

The Second Capuchin Missions Day

Sunday, October 25, was a day of great celebration with the observance of the Second Day of the Capuchin Missions at the International College of St. Lawrence of Brindisi chapel in Rome. The event, organized by the General Curia’s mission office, aimed to foster missionary zeal and solidarity among all the friars. Placed at the center of the church was the image of the Divine Shepherdess, Patroness of the Capuchin missions, which had arrived from Seville. It was surrounded by cultural artifacts from more than twenty countries and by flags waved by the friars—a visible sign of their active presence in over 100 countries around the world.

The Eucharistic was celebrated by Br. Mariosvaldo Florentino, Secretary General for Evangelization and Missions, and concelebrated by Br. Kilian Ngitir, Rector of the College, and Br. Michele Mottura, Guardian of the General Curia and Secretary of the PCO. In his homily, Br. Mariosvaldo recalled the prophetic “missionary innovations” of the Rule of St. Francis, urging everyone to live out the missionary charism with boldness: both by seeking out the “lost sheep” in the places where they live their daily lives, and by making themselves ready—moved by divine inspiration—to be sent to the farthest lands.

The liturgy turned into a true intercultural celebration: the entrance hymns fervently lead by the Latin American friars, the prayers of the faithful recited in seven languages (Korean, Hindi, Swahili, Lingala, Slovenian, Georgian, and Kikhwa), the offertory procession led by the African friars, an evocative time for adoration offered by the friars from India, and the moving song of thanksgiving by the Indonesian fraternity—all accompanied by musical performances from the Italian friars. The celebration reached a special moment when all the friars lit their own candles from the candle of PCO IX and then concluded in an atmosphere of palpable joy at the center of the church, each brother holding a flag from the various countries where the Capuchins bring the Gospel message.

Group Work and Collaboration within the Order

Work during the third week resumed in full swing on Monday, October 26, following Mass and morning prayer. During the first session, the General Minister took the floor to outline the guidelines for the proceedings: over the weekend, the drafting commission had worked intensively on the summary of the theme of the missions, preparing a further draft of the text that will soon be submitted to the assembly for comments.

The day was devoted to group work focused on the theme of “Collaboration within the Order.” The General Minister encouraged the delegates to contribute with the utmost freedom and creativity, noting that the PCO’s primary objective at this stage is to gather ideas and content, even before defining their final form.

At the close of the session, the PCO secretary officially announced the members of the drafting commission, which was formed on Friday of the second week and consists of one representative from each language group. The presidential council also decided that the PCO secretaries will assist this committee in helping to prepare the final summary of the texts. The groups’ work, focused on reviewing and deliberating on the proposals, will continue in the coming days to prepare for the final discussions and votes on the floor.

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Since its inception, the Collegio has shared a deep connection with the missions, and it is undoubtedly the most intercultural fraternity in our Order—a connection further enriched these days by the presence of PCO delegates from all our conferences around the world.

The Mass, which will be celebrated on Sunday, October 25, at 7:30 a.m., will be streamed on YouTube, thus giving all the friars and everyone connected to our Order the opportunity to participate in this special celebration. The celebration will reflect the diverse perspectives and cultures expressed by our multifaceted fraternity at the Collegio!

You can watch the live stream at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@ofmcaptv 

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Work continues during the second week of the 9th Plenary Council of the Order (PCO IX), where the friar delegates, together with the General Minister and his Council, have continued their discussions and group reflections on the themes of Mission, Fraternal Collaboration, and the St. Lawrence Fraternities.

On October 21 and 22, the program followed its established structure. PCO members devoted the morning to discussions in study groups focused on Fraternal Collaboration and the St. Lawrence Fraternities, reserving the afternoon sessions for the presentation of reflections in the aula and for opportunities for participants to speak and offer comments. Although the intensive working sessions are taking place “behind closed doors,” the meeting is offering a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the delegates’ diverse missionary experiences and to gather their expectations regarding the outcomes of this plenary council.

Renewing the Franciscan Charism in Albania

Among the gathered testimonies, one stands out: that of Br. Giuseppe Lanzellotti, of the Province of Puglia and a missionary in Albania for eleven years. Br. Giuseppe described his participation in the PCO as a great opportunity to get to know and appreciate brothers from all over the world, giving a real face to that which might otherwise seem abstract. Reflecting on the role of the Capuchins, he emphasized that the Church of the future must inevitably be missionary or it will not exist at all. To rekindle the flame of the Franciscan charism and bring the Gospel to the world, the mission is called to take on new forms, just as fraternal collaboration does.

Within the Apulian Delegation in Albania, his duties range from parish, youth, and vocational ministry to directing the diocesan choir and orchestra, as well as managing a day center for Roma children. In a country experiencing economic growth but grappling with secularization—after fifty years of communism and thirty years of state atheism—the Capuchins have actively contributed to rebuilding the foundations of the local Church, keeping the Gospel message alive among a people known for their simplicity and hospitality.

A Beacon of Hope Among the Displaced in South Sudan

Equally moving is the experience shared by Br. Augustyn Chwalek of the Kraków Province, who serves in South Sudan, where he helped found a new community four years ago. His mission is based in a camp for internally displaced persons that houses 100,000 people, about 65,000 of whom are Catholic. Living conditions are particularly harsh due to limited space, severe overcrowding, the lack of green spaces, and high levels of noise pollution.

In this complex situation, the Capuchins’ focus does not overlap with the humanitarian development projects already managed by NGOs, but centers first and foremost on evangelization and pastoral care. Their fundamental calling is to share—both physically and spiritually—in the daily challenges faced by the displaced, bringing the hope of Jesus and bearing witness, simply through their presence within the camp, that God is among them and has not abandoned them.

Expectations for the Plenary Council: Practical Guidelines for the Future

In his first participation in a Plenary Council of the Order, Br. Augustyn experienced these days as a time of profound enrichment, also serving as an opportunity to reconnect with fellow brothers from his student days and to discuss the Order’s current path. From experiences in the field, the urgency of reflecting today on mission and collaboration emerges strongly, in order to address the contemporary needs of the Church and of people, offering a response faithful to the specific Capuchin charism. The expectations for this PCO are clear: to develop practical guidelines capable of making the friars’ work increasingly effective and of strengthening cooperation that highlights the close interconnection between the themes of mission, collaboration, and the San Lorenzo communities.

These intense days of listening and sharing confirm the vitality and relevance of the topics discussed in recent weeks, as well as the work of the Capuchin friars in the various peripheries of the world. We invite everyone to continue to follow the upcoming sessions with attention and engagement, accompanying this stage of the Order’s Ninth Plenary Council with prayer.

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After a free day on Sunday and a visit to Assisi, the delegates resumed their activities. Father Fabio Rosini’s meditation encouraged them to preserve their charismatic DNA, while group work began on Mission, Collaboration, and the St. Lawrence Fraternities.

The second week of the Ninth Plenary Council of the Order (PCO) has begun. After an intense first week of reflection on the themes of mission in the Church, listening to testimonies, and analyzing the Church in the present day, the friar delegates enjoyed a well-deserved rest. During this time, some had the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage to the seraphic city of Assisi to “rediscover” the places where the Franciscan Order has its roots.

A Day of Recollection with Father Fabio Rosini: A Change of Perspectives

This second week began in a different way. Monday, October 19, was dedicated to prayer and personal reflection through a spiritual retreat led by Father Fabio Rosini, a priest of the Diocese of Rome, a biblical scholar, and a contributor to Vatican Radio. In his meditations, Father Fabio invited us to make a fundamental shift in perspective: to abandon the trap of “what we must do”—linked to an abstract and distant ideal—and instead focus on “what we can do,” starting from the concrete reality of history. Faith and charism, he emphasized, must never become an ideology or an abstract dictatorship that imposes itself on reality, but must live within the Catholic logic of “and—and,” where charism and concrete history meet and enrich one another according to the true dynamic of the Incarnation. It is precisely in this fidelity to its deepest nature that the Church rediscovers the vital need for the Capuchin charism and austerity, capable of calling everyone back to the essential pillars of the spiritual life.

When it comes to decision-making and discernment, the importance of remaining faithful to priorities rather than constantly chasing after emergencies has become clear, since yielding to the urgencies of the moment does not build anything lasting. The rigid schedules of the past are often upended by the unexpected; for this reason, the friars were urged not to let themselves be swallowed up by bureaucratic management or the defense of structures at the cost of burnout, even accepting the loss of resources and comforts in order to preserve their spiritual DNA. At the end of his talk, the speaker reminded the audience that pastoral work must move beyond the quantitative anxiety of performance to embrace the qualitative dimension of living as children of God, since remaining authentically faithful to who we are is the only true force capable of setting the world ablaze.

Beginning the Group Work on Mission, Collaboration, and the St. Lawrence Fraternities

On Tuesday, October 20, the delegates began their main work, following earlier reflections on mission and the Church today. To introduce the proceedings, the General Minister outlined the logistical arrangements that would accompany the reflections: the division into different groups by language, the topics under discussion, and the alternation between group work sessions and plenary meetings for sharing.

For the discussion, the presidential council decided to form four groups. During the first morning session, it was proposed to explore the topic of Mission in greater depth. In the afternoon of this intense first day, the delegates gathered to share the results of their morning work and begin to outline their reflections on Mission, Collaboration, and the St. Lawrence Fraternities, which are the themes taken up by PCO IX.

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The Order’s Ninth Plenary Council has concluded its first week of reflection and discussion focused on the Church, mission, and the contemporary world. Friday and Saturday were devoted to fraternal collaboration and the project of the International Fraternities of St. Lawrence of Brindisi (FSL), exploring its prospects, challenges, and opportunities.

Fraternal Collaboration: Authentic Communion Beyond Marketing

Friday morning’s session opened with remarks by Br. George Antony Assaricheril (Province of St. Joseph, Kerala, India), who noted that true international collaboration cannot arise simply from the need to “fill vacancies” or address staff shortages. On the contrary, it must spring from a sincere fraternal communion in order to foster an even deeper one. Br. George alluded to the risk of reducing the Province to a “market” based on utilitarian exchanges or to a “cemetery” devoid of vitality: it must remain a living fraternity in which the transfer of friars fosters a sense of belonging without uprooting them from their communities of origin. He therefore called on everyone to share the responsibility of fostering new vocations with “Franciscan boldness,” transforming cultural differences into complementary gifts.

Next, Br. Joseph Seraphin Dederick (Province of Western America, USA) shared his experience of welcoming friars from different regions of the world, describing international collaboration as an “uncomfortable grace.” Shifting from a mindset of emergency to one of gift-giving requires joint and rigorous discernment between those who send and those who receive: a transfer abroad, in fact, does not resolve problems of immaturity or preexisting relational difficulties. Integration, explained Br. Joseph, is not assimilation into a pre-existing mold, but requires that the host community be ready to change and to practice humble hospitality, forming Capuchins capable of feeling “at home wherever there are brothers.”

The St. Lawrence of Brindisi Fraternities: A Practical Workshop on Franciscan Life

In the afternoon, the sessions focused on the San Lorenzo da Brindisi Fraternities (FSL) project. Br. Raffaele Ruffo and Br. Marek Miszczyński, members of the FSL Commission, presented a detailed report on the nature, potential, and limitations of this initiative. Created to serve as “leaven” and a catalyst for renewal throughout the entire Order, the FSL places primary emphasis on being authentic Capuchin friars, from which apostolic activity then flows naturally. They represent an antidote to clericalism, individualism, provincialism, and activism.

Among the challenges highlighted are the reluctance of some major superiors to send friars, the need for careful discernment and preparation of candidates through the study of the Vademecum, and the fact that the host provinces do not always receive them appropriately. Despite these challenges, the FSL remain a “practical laboratory” that bears witness to the globalized world of how brothers from different cultures can live united in Christ.

Friday came to a close with a testimony from Br. Kellycio Medeiros Pereira (Province of Western Brazil), who shared his experience in the fraternity in Leticia, in the Amazon, which became an FSL in 2022.

Firsthand Accounts from the Field and a Historic Milestone in Communication

The first week’s sessions concluded on Saturday morning with a session dedicated to firsthand testimonies from the friars who live and work in the St. Lawrence Fraternities. Speakers included Br. Massimo Lorandini (Venice Province, Italy), who shared his experience in the fraternity of Le Celle di Cortona, and Br. Christophorus Goedereis (Netherlands Delegation), who introduced the recently established fraternity in Velp, Netherlands, via a Zoom presentation.

Thus unfolded the first phase of the work at the Order’s Ninth Plenary Council, which was rich in insights on inculturation, mission, and fraternal collaboration. This year, the event also marked a historic and significant milestone for the Order’s communications: for the first time, the sessions of a plenary council were livestreamed via Zoom, allowing all the friars around the world to participate and engage on topics of fundamental common interest.

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October 15 marked another day of focused effort for the Order’s Ninth Plenary Council, addressing the crucial challenges facing the Capuchin mission in contemporary cultures and on the vital experience of fraternal collaboration. Continuing along the path charted in previous sessions, the assembly engaged with detailed analyses presented by distinguished speakers, who offered an in-depth interpretation of the Church’s presence in today’s world.

Imparting the Faith in a Digital Age of Individuality

The first session was led by Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (section for fundamental issues) and a member of the Dicastery for Culture and Education. The archbishop addressed the delicate and urgent issue of imparting faith in an era dominated by digital culture. We have entered, explained Archbishop Fisichella, into a context marked by the dominance of “weak thinking,” which has generated a deep-seated distrust of reason and of the possibility of objective truth. This cultural landscape has, in fact, led to the eclipse of social rights in favor of an unlimited assertion of individual rights. The consequences of this shift are evident in the breakdown of authentic bonds and in people’s retreat—with particularly dramatic effects on young people—into virtual relationships, which often result in pathological loneliness and outbreaks of immediate violence. Yet, behind this apparent technological disorientation and superficial indifference, contemporary humanity is engaged in a silent search for God and harbors a deep longing for a true spiritual “home.” For the Church, evangelization can never be a passive act: the great tradition we have inherited must be “reclaimed” and interpreted with responsible creativity. We must avoid both the sterile repetition of the past and the frantic search for superficial novelty. The main path leads through interiority, prayer, the Word, beauty, and the tangible experience of forgiveness.

Authentic Synodality and Overcoming the Barriers Facing the Modern Missionary

The address given in the second part of the morning by Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle—recently elected dean of the College of Cardinals and pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization—was particularly profound. The cardinal outlined the context in which the mission takes place today, clarifying that it is never merely a functional role nor a job for “contractors.” Before developing any pastoral strategy, it is essential that every missionary have experienced a personal, authentic, and profound encounter with Jesus. Without this spiritual foundation, any organizational planning is doomed to fail. Faced with a dramatically fragmented world, the Church must rediscover the profound meaning of “synodality,” which means making a concrete commitment to “walking together,” with encouragement and humility, following the example of Christ, who, though God, walked with sinners and the marginalized. In this context, the modern missionary must develop an indispensable “cultural intelligence”: we must understand how our own culture of origin has shaped us so that we can then open ourselves, without any sense of superiority, to the cultures of the places where we are welcomed, thus becoming authentic “bridges” of dialogue. Cardinal Tagle then issued a harsh and heartfelt warning against the ethnic and caste divisions that still plague the life of the Church, citing a tragic incident in Mozambique, where a young bishop was murdered in his own home due to tribal divisions, with the involvement of individuals within the diocese (as evidenced by the arrest of the diocesan chancellor) and the scandal of priests who refused to concelebrate at the funeral. Without true communion, the Church risks becoming a mirror of the world’s worst violence and divisions.

Toward an Ecosystem of Fraternal Collaboration

The afternoon sessions refocused attention on the practical aspects of the Order’s life, exploring the theme of fraternal collaboration through presentations by Br. William Hugo and Br. Benny Punnasserry. Br. William Hugo clearly stated that future collaboration cannot be reduced to a mere expedient for “filling the gaps” in ministries that have arisen in the West due to the decline in vocations. We must rediscover our authentic missionary zeal, and to do so, the Order urgently needs a global strategic plan grounded more in fraternal relationships than in legal contracts. It is time to move beyond the logic of short-term assignments and focus on long-term projects structured around 15- or 20-year timeframes. This process must necessarily be accompanied by a reflection on economic equity: the sharing of resources must work both ways. Provinces that welcome friars are called to actively support the provinces of origin and the Office of Economic Solidarity, thereby overcoming those dynamics of financial dependence that often end up generating paternalism. Finally, in the day’s last presentation, Br. Benny Punnasserry explored the human and spiritual ecosystem that animates the mission. He warned against the risk of adopting a purely transactional model, which he described as the “Rent-a-Friar” approach. He strongly reiterated that the Capuchin missionary is sent to enrich, through his presence and witness, a vibrant and well-structured fraternity—not to be regarded as a mere laborer intended to resolve local pastoral emergencies.

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The second day of reflections at the Order’s Ninth Plenary Council, held on October 14, featured presentations on interculturalism and the Order’s missionary history. These themes encourage us to understand how to navigate a world undergoing profound and rapid changes.

Challenges in the Gulf and Missionary Identity

During the first morning session, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFMCap, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, spoke about his firsthand experience in the Gulf (United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen). In this region, 34 Capuchin friars serve approximately three million Catholics from over 100 nationalities. The fraternities present in this area represent a true “laboratory of interculturality in faith and charism,” addressing crucial challenges such as interreligious dialogue, ecumenical dialogue, the tragedy of the war in Yemen, and the impact of new technologies. Drawing on the Magisterium and the words of Pope Francis, Bishop Martinelli recalled that mission is not merely an accessory but is synonymous with the very identity of the Christian: “I am a mission on this earth.” He affirmed that every friar must be formed in a radical missionary openness, even ad gentes, embracing interculturality as an authentic “sign of the times” in a globalized world. Finally, he urged the brothers to overcome the polarization between those who focus solely on proclaiming the Kerygma and those who focus on human promotion, finding the perfect synthesis in “witness”—where one’s concrete life communicates the love of Christ, following the example of St. Francis.

Memory and Shared Responsibility

Next, Dr. Patrizia Morelli, Director of the Capuchin Historical Archives and Central Library, explored the deep connection between the Archives—which represent the Order’s historical memory—and its forward-looking action, namely its mission. The central message of her reflection was that a charism generates a lasting mission only when individual insight is transformed into “memory, preparation, method, and shared responsibility.” Through a historical overview, Dr. Morelli showed how the Capuchin Friars Minor have gradually learned to structure their presence in the world. As early as the Constitutions of 1536, it became evident that the mission needed to be regulated and rooted in community life, leading then, between the 19th and 20th centuries, to the development of increasingly specialized linguistic, theological, and cultural training, and to the establishment of dedicated educational institutions such as the International College of St. Lawrence of Brindisi.

Firsthand Accounts from the Mission Fields

The afternoon sessions were devoted to listening to the friars who work directly in the mission fields.

Fr. Paolo Maria Braghini recounted his experience in Belém do Solimões, in the Amazon, where he arrived in 2006 to find a territory that had been abandoned for fifteen years and was home to 72 indigenous villages. After years of extreme material hardship and isolation, a turning point came in 2010 thanks to a change in approach inspired by the example of Jesus: to train and empower the indigenous people so they could become active participants in the emerging Church. Fr. Paolo recalled that evangelization must spring from an intense life of prayer, from genuine fraternal communion, and from poverty shared with the most vulnerable—not from mere activism.

The mission to East Timor:

Fr. Isidorus Yoseph Jawa, an Indonesian missionary sent to East Timor in 2010, testified that in a context marked by historical wounds and occupations, a simple fraternal presence is in itself a powerful Gospel message. He emphasized that mission work requires listening and “becoming a brother” even before preaching, while carefully avoiding “missionary functionalism.” He concluded by stating that the traditional model of mission work is outdated: the boundaries between sending and receiving provinces are disappearing, and young nations like East Timor are now preparing to send young friars of their own to Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, thereby bringing about true universal brotherhood.

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The Order’s Plenary Council continues; its first week is devoted to the presentation of various reports designed to help delegates reflect on and discuss the mission, collaboration, and vision of the Fraternities of St. Lawrence. On the second day of the session, October 13, 2026, a series of distinguished speakers took the floor, offering valuable insights into the Church’s mission and the challenges of the contemporary world.

From Logistics to Mysticism: Cardinal Bustillo’s Address

Early in the morning, Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo, OFMConv, Bishop of Ajaccio (Corsica, France), addressed the gathering and issued a powerful call for authenticity and missionary courage. In a speech rich with literary and spiritual references—ranging from Tolstoy to Voltaire to contemporary philosophers—the cardinal called on the Church to move beyond bureaucratic “management” and return to a prophetic “vision,” rediscovering a passion for the Gospel. He warned against the risk of leading “conformist and formalistic” lives, citing Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich to emphasize that pastoral success or ecclesiastical status mean nothing if they lack “shared truth, compassion, and inner strength.” Indeed, a friar must not merely play a role but live out the authenticity of the Gospel. To do so, one must guard against spiritual amnesia—that is, forgetting God’s action—as well as against lukewarmness, defined as “the peace of cemeteries” and understood as a paralysis stemming from the fear of taking risks, and against spiritual anemia, that weariness which leads to stagnation. Furthermore, in sketching a picture of the modern world, he recalled that, despite apparent secularization, contemporary man continues to seek meaning and that “the world of faith is still alive.” Christian spirituality thus becomes a response to modern anguish and to the emptiness experienced by “technical and scientific” humanity. The cardinal concluded his remarks by inviting the audience to move “from logistics to mysticism” and to explore new and creative paths, since “the mission requires the contribution of the imagination.”.

The Crisis of the Intelligence of Faith and the Anthropological Metamorphosis

In the second part of the morning, Father Fabrizio Meroni of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions delivered a forceful and critical presentation on the current state of the Church. Father Meroni described today’s crisis not as a mere decline in numbers, but as a profound crisis of the intelligence of faith, and proposed radical reforms for the future. Reflecting on current challenges, he stated that the Church must confront the “anthropological metamorphosis” caused by artificial intelligence (AI), technological virtuality, and what he termed “fluid ideologies”—such as gender theory and animal-rights environmentalism—which dematerialize reality and erase essential differences. Faced with humanized robots and abstract computerization, Christians are called to defend an “incarnate intelligence” and the ontological superiority of men and women. Father Meroni concluded his speech with a strong appeal, arguing that the Church must stop wasting time and money on “buildings for pastoral care, curias, and offices.” Instead, the Church’s financial resources should be managed by competent Christians to provide concrete support for families, healthcare, education, and employment.

Testimonies from the Missions: Challenges Turn into Hope

Following the intense presentations of the morning, the afternoon sessions focused on testimonies from friars serving in mission territories. The first to speak was Br. Odilo Mroso, from Tanzania, who shared a moving account of his missionary experience. His vocation, born of a strong childhood desire to become a priest, led him in 1998 to agree to go to South Africa, a country then known for its high crime rate. Although he faced initial difficulties related to learning a new language—Zulu—and adapting to an unfamiliar environment, his dedication and the warm welcome from the local community allowed him to integrate and carry out his ministry successfully.

In the second session, Br. Prince Mathew Valiyakunnel offered a profound reflection on the missionary vocation, presenting a documentary on the work of the Capuchins of the Nirmala (Matha) Custody in Assam-Meghalaya, India. His central message was one of great hope: by facing sacrifices with humility, prayer, and patience, “what was bitter becomes sweet again.” The missionary, in fact, learns not to impose his own culture, but to listen, thus allowing a foreign land to become home and strangers to become family.

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MP: fr. Messias Chaves Braga

VP: fr. Jairo Silva de Lima

2C: fr. Jussie Jose da Silva

3C: fr. Rubens Nunes da Mota

4C: fr. Júnio César Roza

Eletti: 08/10/2026

Luogo: Hidrolândia – GO, Brasile

Presidente: fr. Silvio do Socorro de Almeida Pereira, Vicario Generale

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