From 28 to 31 May 2025, the triennial Chapter of the OFM Fraternity for Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue in Türkiye was held at the Friary of Santa Maria Draperis in Istanbul. This Guardianate, present in both Istanbul and Izmir, is directly under the care of the Minister General of the Order.
The current nine friars - from Argentina, Congo, France, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan and the USA - live their mission under the obedience of the Minister General. The Chapter was presided over by the General Delegate Br. John Wong, who is also the General Definitor representing Asia-Oceania. Prior to the Chapter, an official General Visitation was carried out by Br. Stéphane Delavelle (Custody of the Holy Martyrs in Morocco) and Br. Saulo Duarte, Vice Bursar General.
In his letter to the Chapter, Br. Massimo Fusarelli expressed deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the outgoing Guardian, Br. Eleuthère Makuta Baharanyi, for his service. Br. Massimo encouraged the fraternity to continue expanding the Order’s mission in Türkiye. In his message, the Minister General affirmed that Dialogue, which includes intercultural dialogue, is the Franciscan way of life, lived out through concrete solidarity with the marginalized, fraternal service to the poor, and working together with people and organizations of different faiths and traditions.
On the first day of the Chapter, the Minister General issued a Decree appointing Br. Felianus Dogon (originally from Indonesia) as the new Guardian, and Br. Pascal Robert (from Pakistan) as Vicar.
During the Chapter, the brothers reaffirmed their identity as an International Fraternity in Mission - both for Dialogue and in Dialogue - in its ecumenical, interreligious, and intercultural forms. They agreed that inculturation is essential: learning the Turkish language, understanding the culture, life, and sensitivities of the people, and knowing the history of the land, are all necessary to form meaningful and respectful relationships. This Franciscan way of life is a dynamic process, seeking the good of the other and expressing a real fraternal spirit of hospitality. It calls for ongoing formation and personal conversion.
The friars also reaffirmed their commitment to the Annual Dialogue Course, pastoral work in parishes and with university students, care for migrants and the incarcerated, and the Laudato Si’ environmental project. They pledged to continue developing these initiatives over the next three years through local House Chapters and collaboration with mission partners.
Looking ahead, the friars envision a stable and deeply rooted Franciscan presence in Türkiye - one that breathes hospitality and peace - and one day becoming a Foundation of the Order, with local vocations, sustainable leadership, and a fraternal economy.