Czech Republic – OFS National Elective Chapter

The National Elective Chapter of the Czech Republic was celebrated from June 8-10, 2012, at the Shrine of Velehrad, where the two brothers, Saints Cyril and Methodius, inaugurated their apostolic mission among the Slavs. Present for the occasion were about 90 Chapter Members representing 49 Local Fraternities. Tibor Kauser, Councilor of the Presidency, and Br. Ivan Matić, OFM, Assistant General to OFS-YouFra were both present on behalf of the CIOFS Presidency.

Also present during the Chapter at different times of the celebration were the Ministers Provincial of the First Franciscan Order present in the Czech Republic, i.e., Br. Jeroným Jurka, OFM, Br. Bogdan Sikora, OFMConv, and Br. Bonaventure Štivar, OFMCap.

Significant and very beautiful were the moments of prayer and the various celebrations that took place at the great Basilica as well as in the chapel of the house where the National Chapter unfolded. In addition, several fraternal meetings took place to share about the life and mission of the OFS today and the importance of solid and ongoing formation for a more active presence in both the Church and society. The importance of service to young people, especially groups of young Franciscans present in the country was also especially underscored.

The elective session took place in the afternoon of June 9 during which the new members of the National Council were elected. Jiří Šenkýř was elected as National Minister and Alexandra Tesaříková as International Councilor.

The OFS National Fraternity in the country consists of 49 fraternities with 821 professed members.