The sixth day of the Chapter of Mats was marked by a pilgrimage to the city of Assisi, where participants were able to immerse themselves in the Franciscan charism by walking the same streets walked by Saint Francis.
The day began with a visit to the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, where the capitulars toured both the lower and upper basilicas, admiring the frescoes that narrate the life of the saint. A particularly moving moment was the prayer before the tomb of Saint Francis and his first companions.
Afterwards, the group moved to the Basilica of Saint Clare, where they experienced a profound moment of prayer with the "O High and Glorious God" and praises to the Most High God. The participants also had a time of personal prayer before the Crucifix of San Damiano and the tomb of Saint Clare. The day continued with individual visits to other significant Franciscan sites in the city.
In the afternoon, upon returning to Our Lady of the Angels, the draft final document was read and discussed. It was the result of three days of work using the World Café methodology. It addressed three fundamental themes related to the Franciscan charismatic identity, as outlined in the Instrumentum Laboris.
The first, on the renewal of the charismatic vision, addresses how the charism must be understood as a living dynamism and not as something static. It is an element that requires continuous transformation and conversion, centering on Christ and the evangelical life. The importance of listening to the diversity of voices within the international fraternity is emphasized.
The second, on the prophetic style of fraternity in minority, focuses on growth in communion and the need to rethink organizational structures. It does not seek to centralize power, but rather to create a new articulation between unity and differences, between the local and the universal. It also addresses the important relationship with lay people and women in Franciscan life.
The third, on witness-mission, is embodied in evangelization through life and word. This includes the silent proclamation of the Kingdom of God, ecumenical dialogue, presence in social problems, and listening to the Spirit. The Constitutions propose a fraternity oriented toward missionary conversion, focused on reconciliation, justice, and peace.
In the evening, the Chapter participants attended the Rosary in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, reciting the mysteries in different languages. The prayer concluded with the procession of the Virgin Mary inside the Basilica.
All this work will culminate with the approval of the Final Document, scheduled for Pentecost Sunday.
