Election of the new government of the Tuscan Province of St. Francis Stigmatised

In the year in which the Franciscan Family celebrates the VIII centenary of the blessed Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi, from May 4 to 15, 2026, the Friars Minor of the Tuscan Province of Saint Francis Stigmatised gathered in Lucca, at the convent of Saint Cerbone, to celebrate the elective provincial chapter, chaired by Br. Alberto Pisapia, Visitator General.

To open the work of the Chapter was a day of retreat and prayer animated by Fr. Roberto Pasolini, OFMCap, Preacher of the Pontifical Household, who shared with the friars a deep spiritual meditation, offering the evangelical and Franciscan coordinates within which the capitular discernment developed.

Guided by the theme inspired by the words of the Testament of St. Francis – “But the Most High himself revealed to me…” – the friars experienced an intense time of listening, dialogue, and fraternal discernment, renewing their commitment to live the Franciscan charism in fraternity, in minority, in contemplation and in the mission, looking with confidence at the challenges of the present and the future.

Particularly significant was the meeting with Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice, Archbishop of Siena-Colle di Val d’Elsa-Montalcino and President of the Tuscan Episcopal Conference, who shared with the friars the view and expectations of the  Tuscan Churches towards the presence and pastoral action of the Friars Minor in the region.  The dialogue that resulted from it represented an important opportunity for discussion on the contribution that the Franciscan charism continues to offer to ecclesial life and to the proclamation of the Gospel in the Tuscan territory.

The meeting with representatives of the Secular Franciscan Order and Franciscan Youth was also very fruitful, contributed to the chapter reflection, testifying to the vitality of the Franciscan Family and the desire to walk together in the evangelical mission.

During the days of May 11 and 12, the brothers called to lead the Province for the next six years were:

Minister Provincial: Br. Guido Fineschi, OFM
Vicar Provincial: Br. Francesco Baldini, OFM
Provincial Definitors: Br. Matteo Brena, OFM; Fr. David Gagrcic, OFM; Br. Federico Russo, OFM; Br. Matteo Tosti, OFM.

At the conclusion of the Chapter, the capitular friars were joined by the formandi and the brothers who, for various reasons, had not been able to take part in the work of the assembly.  In a climate of fraternity and shared joy, the Province has thus found itself united to thank the Lord for the journey made, for the success of the Chapter, and for the many goods that the Lord continues to donate to our fraternity.  A simple but significant moment, which manifested the desire to continue the journey together, in the trust that the Lord continues to guide and sustain the life of our Province.