Rome, ITALY—On July 3, 2026, the Friary of the Immaculate Conception, located on Rome’s historic Via Vittorio Veneto, served as the venue for the 10th Capuchin Family Day. About 80 people attended the gathering. Among them were the new Provincial Ministers and Custodes elected over the past year (who were gathered at a meeting in Frascati), members of the General Curia, Capuchin friars from friaries in the Rome area, Capuchin Poor Clares, and religious sisters from other congregations affiliated with the Order.
This year’s event coincided with anniversaries of great historical and spiritual significance. On the one hand, 2026 marks the final year of the Franciscan Centenaries, which commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis and the drafting of his Testament. On the other hand, the day was part of the spiritual pilgrimage leading up to the 500thanniversary of the Capuchin Reform (1528–2028), a journey conceived not as a mere evocation of the past, but as a vital impetus to rediscover the freshness of our origins.
To honor these commemorations, the central theme this year was the vital importance of the Seraphic Father’s Testamentfor the spirituality of the Order. This text became the focal point that inspired reflection and sharing, reminding us that the Testament is that “distinctive” trait of the Capuchins that enriches the great Franciscan tree and helps to perpetuate a history of creative fidelity and continuous renewal.
Details of the Gathering
The day began at 9:00 a.m. with a Mass with the General Minister, Br. Roberto Genuin as the main celebrant. In his homily, he emphasized that the diversity of charisms, institutes, and congregations that have emerged throughout the history of the Capuchin family is a great gift from God. He also reflected on the need for constant renewal, and for a return to our origins by being faithful to our charism; in this way, we bear fruit in the tasks entrusted to us by the Church.
After Mass, those present went to the friary’s auditorium for an instructional session featuring several speakers, some of whom are well-known for their expertise. Afterward, the participants were able to visit the Capuchin Museum and Crypt, concluding the day with a fraternal lunch at the General Curia.
- Pietro Maranesi, OFM Cap offered an in-depth reflection on the elements of the Testament, which contains what St. Francis wished to pass on as his spiritual legacy in the final moments of his life.
- Chiara Francesca Lacchini, OSC Cap addressed the importance of the Testament for the first friars of the Capuchin reform, exploring how this document has been instrumental in shaping the Order over the years.
- Michele Mottura, OFM Cap shared a pastoral experience that demonstrated how to put the teachings of the Testament into practice in the various settings where ministry takes place.
The Meaning of Capuchin Day
This day is celebrated annually on July 3rd (or around that date) to commemorate the approval of the Capuchin Reform, which was made official with the promulgation of the papal bull Religionis Zelus on July 3, 1528. The main goal is to create an opportunity for renewal and to strengthen the bonds among members of the spiritual family, putting Franciscan spirituality into practice.
To achieve this goal, the day is structured around three key activities: praying and celebrating together to strengthen our spiritual communion; coming together and engaging in dialogue through moments of open and cordial exchange to learn about each other’s challenges; and, finally, planning and collaborating to promote a shared mission through concrete actions.
