Chapter of Mats of the Province of San Antonio (Brazil)

Franciscan spirituality shone in days of profound celebration in the Chapter o fMats of the Franciscan Province of St. Anthony of Brazil. From the 14th-17th November, the friary of Ipuarana, in Lagoa Seca, Paraíba, hosted a meeting where faith, fraternity and the charism of St. Francis were intertwined in an embrace of light and hope.

Over 80 participants – including friars, lay people and nuns – from all the territories of the Province, gathered for moments of reflection, celebration and sharing, in a meeting that intertwines the Franciscan charism with the contemporary challenges of a society in continuous transformation. The meeting was guided by the theme of synodality, a call that transcends borders and inspires a common journey, with a focus on strengthening the mission of the Franciscan Province of St. Anthony of Brazil.

The Roots of the Mat Chapter

Msgr. Beto Breis Pereira OFM, Bishop of Maceió, who was present at the Chapter, reflected on the profound relationship between synodality and fraternity in the Franciscan tradition. "The Franciscan movement has in fact marked the synodal experiment. St. Francis insisted that the Chapters be held at Pentecost, since the Holy Spirit is the Minister General of the Society. Foreasmuch as Pope Francis tells us, without the Holy Spirit there is no synodality," he stressed.

"The Chapter of Mats is designed as a special time of living together, sharing life and reinvigorating our fraternal love and spirituality," explained Fr. Wellington Buarque, Secretary of the Chapter. "Unlike other Franciscan chapters, this one does not have an elective character, but promotes a space for encounter and spiritual renewal."

Reflections and dialogues on the Franciscan mission

This meeting began on Thursday the 14thNovember 2024, when the various pilgrims arrived at the friary of Ipuarana, founded in 1940 as an Apostolic College and which has formed generations of Friars Minor who work in the different realities of the Northeast of Brazil.

The next day, the meeting began with the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Msgr. Beto Breis, who reflected on the joy of Franciscan spirituality that is born from the encounter, from the synodality reflected in this Chapter. "Synodality, in Franciscan life, is manifested in our being fraternities in mission, itinerant fraternities. There is no opposition or tension between fraternity and mission; on the contrary, they complement each other. After all, fraternity is the first and most credible proclamation of the Gospel, and it is through the Gospel that evangelization takes place," he stressed.

In the afternoon, the participants divided into thematic groups to discuss how friars, lay people, nuns and postulants can contribute to strengthening the Franciscan mission in the context of Northeastern Brazil. In the evening, a panel discussion moderated by Br. Wellington brought together Franciscan leaders such as Br. Rogério Lopes, Br. Gilmar Nascimento, Helmir Soares (Secretary of the national OFS) and Sr. Maria Beatriz of the Conceptionist Sisters. The debate highlighted the importance of dialogue with young people and the synergy between different states of life, seeking to expand the Franciscan charism.

Presences that inspire and strengthen

The Conceptionist and Poor Clare sisters marked the encounter with their contemplative spirituality. Their witness reminds us that mission is born of hearts turned to God, nourished by prayer. Sister Anna Beatriz, OSC shared her experience: "It is exciting to realize the beauty of our Franciscan Family, where we share fraternal relationships, experiences, prayers and mission with our brothers. Our prayer sustains the mission. She is the one who gives us the certainty and security that our family will always succeed in its mission, thanks to its constant intercession." 

The OFS was well represented at this meeting: Helmir Soares, from Trindade Pernambuco, said that to his fraternity the OFS will bring "joy, fraternity and, above all, the commitment to live in communion with the Franciscan Family".

A call to a new beginning

On Saturday the 16th November, the activities were guided by the theme "Brothers, let's start over!", led by Br. Aloísio Fragoso and Br. Marconi Lins. In plenary sessions and smaller groups, participants reflected on the challenges and possibilities for the Franciscan mission in times of change, making renewed commitments to the Franciscan charism.

On Sunday the 17th November, the meeting concluded with the celebration of Mass, presided over by the Minister Provincial, Br. Rogério Lopes, and with a moment of evaluation and synthesis for future actions at the international level. At the end of this fraternal experience of Mount Tabor, Br. Rogério shared his prayer to "look to the past with gratitude, to the present with gratitude and to the future with hope. It is important that what has been discussed and reflected on returns to our fraternities through all of us, motivated. The Kingdom of God is being realized, starting from our commitment."

Article by Leticia Florêncio, Provincial Communication Service
Revision by Br. Lorrane Clementino, OFM