The second day of the Order's Plenary Council explored fundamental issues for the future of the Order. The day began with the celebration of Lauds and the Eucharist in language groups in the chapels of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels.
During the morning, the Vicar General Br. Ignacio Ceja presented a detailed evaluation of the mandates and orientations of the 2021 General Chapter. His speech highlighted how these mandates embrace different areas of Franciscan life, from our fundamental identity to specific aspects such as the economy, fraternal life, the protection of minors, mission and evangelization, formation and studies, JPIC and the governance structures of the Order. "We hope that this Plenary Council will give us a new impetus not only to review and reprogram what is indicated by the Chapter, but above all to open ourselves to the Spirit and live today with renewed fidelity our vocation as friars and minors sent into the world as witnesses of peace and reconciliation," said the Vicar at the end of his speech.
Subsequently, Br. Cesare Vaiani, Definitor General, addressed the theme of accompaniment in the degrowth and transformation of the Entities. His analysis focused on the phenomenon of numerical decline and its structural implications, presenting a historical reflection on how the Order has responded to these challenges in recent decades.
Br. Cesare commented that, in early 2025, the Order evaluated the processes of unification of the Entities through a general consultation. The results revealed several positive aspects: mixed fraternities demonstrated greater openness to change, a more solid Franciscan identity and a more efficient management of resources. However, important challenges also emerged: difficulties in managing large territories, resistance to change, limited mobility of the friars and a continuous decline in vocations.
At noon, the Definitor General, Br. John Wong, presented an analysis of the structure of the Conferences in the OFM, emphasizing their role as a forum for regional coordination and collaboration. These structures serve as meeting places to allow the Provincial Ministers to meet and dialogue on issues important to the Order.
Currently, there are 13 Conferences strategically distributed for similar geographical and cultural regions. Their main mission is to strengthen unity and cooperation within the Order, especially in areas such as training new members and addressing specific regional challenges.
Br. John Wong further stated that the Conferences face several significant challenges, communication between Entities does not always flow optimally, and there is a tendency toward "provincialism" that can hinder collaboration. In addition, long-term planning is a constant challenge that requires attention. Looking to the future, the Conferences are working to strengthen collaborative ties, especially in the field of training. Efforts are made to consolidate existing structures and develop common projects of evangelization from which the whole Order can benefit.
The talks concluded with the Definitor General, Br. Konrad Cholewa, who presented a reflection on the number of Definitors General and the functioning of the Definitory, raising important questions about the governance structure and its adaptation to the current needs of the Order.
Br. Konrad presented the profile of the General Definitor, which requires experience in animation and governance, international work skills, openness to change, and mastery of an official language. His reflection on the role of the Definitor General is part of a broader effort to adapt the structures of governance to the current reality of the Order, taking into account both demographic changes and the need to provide more effective accompaniment to the friars.
The day's work concluded with sessions in working groups, allowing participants to deepen the themes presented and prepare concrete proposals for the future of the Order.
Download reports:
Br. Ignacio Ceja: Italiano - English - Español
Br. Cesare Vaiani: Italiano - English - Español
Br. John Wong: Italiano - English - Español
Br. Konrad Cholewa: Italiano - English - Español
