During moments of spirituality, historical remembrance, and significant decisions for the future of the Franciscan mission in Angola, the Immaculate Mother of God Foundation of Angola concluded its celebratory Chapter with the official announcement of the canonical establishment of the new dependent Custody of the "Immaculate Mother of God."
The Chapter, which began on the 13th October, brought together friars from various fraternities in the friary chapel of the Fraternity of St. Francis of Assisi in Palanca, Luanda. The opening ceremony featured an invocation of the Holy Spirit, led by Br. Santana Sebastião Cafunda, and a welcoming address by the Foundation's President, Br. Ivair Bueno de Carvalho. In his address, he inspired the participants with a quote from St. Francis of Assisi, strengthening the spirit of fraternity and communion.
Also present were Br. Paulo Roberto Pereira, Minister of the Province of the Immaculate Conception (Brazil), on which the new Custody depends; Br. César Külkamp, Delegate of the Minister General and General Definitor for Brazil and the Southern Cone; Br. Siphelele Gwanisheni, General Definitor for Africa; Br. Robson Luiz Scudela, head of the Franciscan missions of the Province of the Immaculate Conception; and Br. Valdemiro Wastchuk, Councilor of the Foundation.
During the three-day Chapter, the programme included moments of spirituality, formation, and administrative evaluations. Highlights included an update on the formation process, an evaluation of missionary fronts—such as evangelization, education, solidarity, and communication—and reflections on the future of the Franciscan presence in Angola with the establishment of the Custody.
On the second day, the Chapter members enthusiastically welcomed the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, who came to the country to closely follow the proceedings. The day also featured a moving commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Franciscan mission in Angola, with testimonies from religious who experienced and reaped the fruits of the first steps of the Franciscan presence in the country.
The high point of the Chapter occurred on Wednesday the 15th, with the announcement of the establishment of the new dependent Custody of the "Immaculate Mother of God," officially pronounced by Br. Massimo Fusarelli during Vespers. The new Custodial Council was also presented on this occasion:
• Custodial Minister: Br. Ivair Bueno de Carvalho
• Custodial Councilors: Br. Ermelindo Francisco Bambi, Br. José Morais Cambolo, Br. Mário Sampaio Pelu, Br. André Luiz da Rocha Henriques.
Before the announcement of the new Council, all the friars of the Angolan Mission had already participated in a preliminary consultation, on occasions preceding the Chapter, suggesting names for the position. However, the final decision on the selection rested with the Minister General.
The Council is required to present the identified guidelines regarding the steps of the nascent Entity to the Definitory of the Franciscan Province of the Immaculate Conception of Brazil for approval and implementation.
The Chapter officially closed on the morning of the 16th October with a solemn Mass at Kimbo St Francis of Assisi which brought together the Franciscan Family, consecrated nuns from various congregations, the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), the Franciscan Youth (YouFra), and several faithful. Also present were Br. Evódio João, Minister of the newly formed Province of St Clare in Mozambique, and the Provincial Minister of the Capuchin Friars Minor in Angola, Br. António Buko.
After Mass and a celebratory lunch, the program continued with meetings with the Poor Clare Sisters and the Friars Minor, concluding a Chapter that will be remembered as a watershed moment in the history of the Franciscan presence in Angola.
With the collaboration (text and photos) of the Custody's Communications staff
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