From 24 to 29 July 2025, the friars of the Custody of St. Clare in Mozambique gathered at the Convent of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Victories in Maputo for the Custodial Chapter.
Under the motto 'Together with Francis and Clare: Pilgrims of Hope towards the Province', the Chapter reflected on the life of the Franciscans in Mozambique over the next three years (2025–2028), set objectives for the transition from Custody to Province, and elected the new Government. It was attended by all the friars of Mozambique, 51 in all, from 14 communities scattered throughout the country and abroad.
Br. Isidro Pereira Lamelas, the Minister General's Delegate, presided over the Chapter. At the opening, he urged the friars to consider the specific themes of Franciscan life: prayer and devotion, formation, economic sustainability, and the fraternal journey.
On the second day, reports were presented on the various activities of the Custody's sectors. Br. Jorge Alberto Bender presented the Instrumentum Laboris, which summarised the work of the communities in preparation for the Chapter. In the afternoon, Br. Adelino Manuel Langa, Bursar of the Custody, presented an overview of the Custody's economic situation, human resources and properties, and its future.
On 26 July, the memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, a Eucharistic celebration was held, presided over by the Custos, Br. Lage Nhampoca Luís Afonso. He emphasised the importance of grandparents and ancestors who preceded us. Afterwards, the Capitulars resumed their work with the presentation of Reports from the Secretariats of Mission and Evangelisation, Formation and Studies, and the Assistants of the Poor Clares and the Secular Franciscan Order. In preparation for the establishment of the new Province, the friars examined the Province's Particular Statutes. The Capitulars also outlined guidelines and policies for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults, committing themselves to developing a new culture that promotes the dignity of every person. The aim of all this is to make our communities and missions safe and free from abuse.
With sorrow and hope in the resurrection, the members of the Chapter joined the Archdiocese of Maputo in praying for the eternal rest of Father Dionísio Simbe of the Maputo clergy and for his return to the House of the Father today.
On the fourth day, the friars gave thanks to the Lord for the jubilees of their brothers: Br. Guilherme for his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination; Br. Lucas Francisco Gololombe and Br. Amaral for their 50th anniversary of religious profession; Br. Abel Francisco Mouzinho dos Remédios and Br. Domingos Pedro Simbe for their 25th anniversary.
The capitulars were joined by Br. Siphelele Paulus Gwanisheni, General Definitor and Envoy of the Minister General, Mons. Adriano Langa, OFM, Bishop Emeritus of Inhambane; Br. Gilberto Lage Teixeira, a missionary in Mozambique for over 60 years, now returned to Portugal; Br. Thomas Macamure, of the Autonomous Custody of the Good Shepherd of Zimbabwe; and Br. Ermelindo Francisco Bambi, of the Mother Immaculate of God Foundation of Angola.
The Capitulars concluded the day by reciting St. Francis' Canticle of the Creatures, which celebrates its eighth centenary this year.
On 28 July, the Chapter members elected the new Government that will lead the Province for the next six years:
Provincial Minister: Br. Evódio João
Provincial Vicar: Br. Jorge Alberto Bender
Provincial Definitors: Br. Miguel dos Santos Benjamin, Br. Tendai Samuel Chirara, Br. Hilávio Rodrigues Mepina, Br. Jaime Eugénio Jemuce.
We wish the new Province and Br. Evodio, former Director of the Communications Office of the General Curia, a good journey and good service for the Order and the brothers in Mozambique!
Commission for Communications
