Lithuania – SFO National Elective Chapter

The SFO National Fraternity of Lithuania celebrated their National Elective Chapter from May 6-8, 2011, in the city of Vilnius. About 30 people were in attendance representing 6 Regional Fraternities along with the National Assistant, Br. Saulius-Paulius Bytautas, OFM.  Present as representatives of National Fraternities were National President Virginija Mickutė and Vice-National President Monika Midverite.

Ewald  Kreuzer, SFO, Councilor of the Presidency and Br. Ivan Matić, OFM, Assistant General of the SFO-YouFra were both present on behalf of the Presidency of the International Council of the SFO (CIOFS).  Both of them also met with the youth of YouFra at their headquarters in Vilnius along with other members of the SFO National Council.  The National Chapter initiated in the afternoon of May 6 with a brief on the current situation of both the SFO and YouFra as well as the call to evangelization.  Next on the agenda, the outgoing National Council gave their report.  In the morning of May 7, the Capitulars were able to work in study groups on the priorities of the three-year period, after which we proceeded with the elective session of the Chapter.  During the Chapter, the New National Council was elected with Nerijus Čapas elected as National Minister and Aidas Gintaras Adomaitis as International Councilor.  The Chapter then concluded on Sunday, May 8 with a solemn celebration of the Eucharist in the Church of the Friars Minor of Vilnius.  After the Mass, Ewald and Br. Ivan both met with the YouFra National Council of Lithuania.

The SFO National Fraternity of Lithuania is composed of 6 Regional Fraternities with about 530 members.  The Franciscan Youth, on the other hand, are present in 5 local fraternities with over 100 members.  At this time, preparation for the Formation of both new local SFO and YouFra fraternities are well under way in Lithuania.