Chapter of the Province St. Michael the Archangel, Indonesia

The Friars of the Province of St. Michael the Archangel, Indonesia, and the Foundation of St. António de Lisboa, Timor Leste, have successfully concluded their Provincial Chapter, which ran for nine days from September 21 to 29, 2025. This chapter served as a strategic forum to formulate the next steps for the ministry and the fraternal life of the friars, amidst the dynamics of global change.
The Chapter, held under the theme "Living the Charism, Communion, and Mission Amidst a Changing World," was attended by 72 participants and committee members.

Opening and Reflection on the Franciscan Charism
The Chapter commenced with a retreat guided by Br. Martin Harun, OFM, across three reflective sessions. The Capitulars were invited to re-internalize the core Franciscan spirit of minority and fraternity.
The Provincial Chapter was officially opened by the General Visitator, Br. Konstantinus Bahang, OFM. For several days, the Capitulars engaged in deep discussions based on three key documents: the Report of the Provincial Minister by Br. Mikhael Peruhe, OFM, the Visitation Report from the General Visitator, and the Instrumentum Laboris formulated based on the results of the Mats Chapter.

Chapter Decisions: Focusing on Three Pillars
The dynamic discussion, moderated by Br. Wilhelmus Irenius Gonsalit Saur, OFM, resulted in several crucial Chapter decisions categorized under the three main pillars: Charism, Communion, and Mission.
The first, regarding Charism. Decisions related to Charism focused on strengthening spirituality and formation: (a) Prayer and Holy Devotion are reaffirmed as primary priorities; (b) Re-emphasis on the spirit of Minority; (c) Strengthening of Ongoing Formation, covering formation for formators and professional studies; (d) Enhancement of Initial Formation, including the accompaniment of young friars, formation for Lay Brothers, relevant vocation ministry, academic standards for younger friars, policy on the use of mobile phones and laptops, and the Mission of Holy Land.
The second, regarding Communion. The Communion pillar addresses community life and governance: (a) Fraternal Life is strengthened through formative communities, forums for fraternal encounters, the role of the guardian, and communities for elderly friars. (b) Structure and Ministry Governance includes the renewal of guardianship and filial community entities, archiving, the establishment of a Franciscan Media Center, and the formation of a Safeguarding Commission. (c) Assets and Finance will be governed through transparent management, fund allocation, and the establishment of an Asset Investigation and Management Team. (d) Ministry to the wider Franciscan Family, such as the Poor Clare Sisters and the Secular Franciscan Order, was also addressed.
The Third, regarding Mission. Decisions regarding Mission guide the focus of external ministry: (a) Increased roles in Mission ad gentes and Mission ad intra. (b) Strengthening of the Education sector and JPIC (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation), Development of Eco-Pastoral programs and Shelter House ministry. (d) Enhancement of Research and Publication, (e) Biblical Apostolate Work, Lay Apostolate, and Pastoral Care.

New Provincial Leadership Elected
On the final day, the Capitulars elected the new Provincial Definitory for the upcoming term. Br. Agustinus Laurensius Nggame, OFM, was elected as the new Provincial Minister. Simultaneously, Br. Hieronimus Yoseph Dei Rupa, OFM, was elected as the Provincial Vicar. The elected Provincial Definitors are: Br. Albertus Purnomo, OFM, Br. Andreas Bernardinus Atawolo, OFM, Br. Titus Angga Restuaji, OFM, and Br. Alforinus Gregorius Pontus, OFM.
With the election of the new leadership and the establishment of various decisions, the Province of St. Michael the Archangel, Indonesia, and the Foundation of St. António de Lisboa, Timor Leste, are ready to carry out their service and evangelization in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi amidst the challenges of the modern era.

Br. Jimmy Hendrik Rance Tnomat, OFM