The Chapter of the Mats of the Friars of the two provinces of Puglia(Italy) took place in Taranto from the 14th to 16th June, and saw the participation of Franciscan friars, nuns and lay people from the Provinces of St. Michael the Archangel and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The participants dedicated themselves to listening to the changes taking place in the contemporary world, trying to respond to the sufferings and current challenges. The aim of the Chapter was to overcome indifference and promote peace and reconciliation, through a profound rethinking of being Franciscans in today's context.
The chapter concluded with the presentation of the final document, the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Br. Massimo Fusarelli, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, and the march for peace through the streets of the historic centre of Taranto, organized by the Franciscan Youth.
The final document, presented during the closing ceremony, charts a clear path for the future of the Order, emphasizing the importance of continuous dialogue and concrete action to address global challenges. Amongst the highlights of the document are the promotion of peace initiatives, support for the most vulnerable communities, and a commitment to environmental protection. The Chapter of the Mats of Taranto represents a significant moment of reflection and rethinking of the Franciscan charism for all the members of the Order of Friars Minor, committed to responding with faith and courage to the challenges of our time.
In his homily, Br. Massimo Fusarelli stressed the importance of knowing how to grasp "sprouts of novelty" in our communities. Br. Massimo, referring to the parable of the mustard seed presented in the Gospel of the day, highlighted that, within us, there are seeds of goodness that we do not see but that are growing through the work of God. As a Church, and not as a closed community, we are called not to make this good our own, but to make it grow and to share it through acceptance and openness to others.
With the contribution of Br. Marco Valletta, OFM
