The Chapter of Mats concluded at Pentecost with renewed hope
Signs of hope and prophecy of communion and peace
08 June 2025On a significant day for the Order of Friars Minor, the Chapter of Mats came to a close on Pentecost Sunday. The day began with the presentation and voting on the Final Document, after which the Secretary of the Chapter, Br. Juan Isidro Aldana, thanked all those who had partecipated and contributed to making it possible. The Minister General, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, then delivered his final address, expressing his satisfaction with the progress of the Chapter and emphasising that this meeting had shed “new light on the charism itself”. He emphasised the importance of maintaining this synodal dynamic within the Franciscan Family through dialogue and listening, noting that this experience would influence the preparation of the next General Chapter.
The Chapter culminated in a Solemn Eucharist in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, presided over by Vicar General Br. Ignacio Ceja. During his homily, he recalled the profound significance of celebrating this moment at the Porziuncola, where St. Francis requested that the Ministers of the Order gather every three years. He added: “This week, during the Pentecost novena, we have gathered near the Porziuncola to listen to one another, engage in dialogue and discern in a synodal spirit about our life and mission today, so that we may truly be a prophetic sign for our world.”
The Chapter brought together 150 participants from around the world, including religious and lay people. Working in a synodal spirit, they came together to discern the life and mission of the Order in today's world. As Br. Cesare Vaiani pointed out, this meeting demonstrated that "the Spirit of Pentecost helped us" to overcome linguistic and cultural barriers.
As the Chapter drew to a close, participants returned to their Provinces with a renewed commitment to "being signs of hope and prophecy of communion and peace", ready to implement the conclusions reached during those days of intense work and fraternity.
Read the homily by Br. Ignacio Ceja
