“We are concluding our Chapter of Mats. I believe that the four days spent in our Chapter of Mats have helped us come closer through fraternal commmunion. When we met the objective of the Chapter was to look at the situation of our mission in Mozambique as a Franciscan Family.” This was affirmed by Fr. Lage Nhampoca Luís Afonso, the Custos of the Custody of St .Clare in Mozambique, at the closing of the Chapter of Mats that took place in Beira, Mozambique from 23rd to 26th April 2024.
The Custos expressed his satisfaction over the climate which characterised the Chapter that it was celebrated in mutual respect, sharing and awareness of the common charism that unites the Franciscan family, which has an important part to play both in the Church and Mozambican society. He therefore, exhorted all the friars to collaborate in the formation of formators, the project of missionary evangelization and the ministry of Safeguarding of the Minors and Vulnerable Adults.
During the Chapter there was a discussion on the themes that are to do with real life and mission of the Franciscan Family in Mozambique such as: Evangelization and Mission, Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation, Safeguarding of the Minor and Vulnerable Adults. As a sign of commitment, the capitulars approved the following proposals that will help them as references in their life and mission.:
The Chapter of Mats which was convoked and presided over by the Custos according to the letter and guidelines which the General Definitory of the Order sent to the Franciscan Entities in the world, had 29 representatives from the Autonomous Custody of St. Clare of Assis in Mozambique who participated, Friars Minors Capuchins, the Institute of the Poor Christ, Franciscan Sisters in Mozambique, the Order of Secular Franciscans and Franciscan Youth. This Chapter of Mats was the first in the Franciscan history of Mozambique.
Fr. Evodio João, OFM
