FIMDA Friars hold Extraordinary Assembly

The Franciscan Immaculate Mother of God Foundation of Angola (FIMDA) held an Extraordinary Assembly marked by moments of prayer, reflection and strategic planning. The meeting, held at the Fraternity of St. Francis, in Palanca, began on the 26th June 2025 with a Eucharistic celebration in the chapel of the Foundation's headquarters, presided over by the Provincial Minister, Br. Paulo Roberto Pereira, who stressed the importance of obedience to God, as taught in the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 7:21-29). 16 friars from various fraternities participated in this assembly, strengthening the spirit of fraternity and evangelizing mission.

During the morning, the president of the Foundation, Br. Ivair Bueno de Carvalho, presented the current situation of the entity and the Council's prospects for the creation of a new Custody, an important step to strengthen the Franciscan presence in Angolan lands. Br. Marco António dos Santos then presented the guidelines for formation until 2025, followed by discussions and contributions from the participants.

In the afternoon, the plenary sessions addressed issues essential to the mission of the Foundation. The Plan of Evangelization was presented by Br. Santana Sebastião Cafunda, while Br. José Morais Cambolo dealt with the guidelines for the economic and financial administration of the fraternities.

On the second day, the 27th June, the Assembly celebrated the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with a Mass presided over by the Definitor General, Br. César Kulkamp, OFM, in communion with the Poor Clare Sisters of the local monastery, who were celebrating the titular of their monastery. After the celebration, the friars reflected on the preparatory process for the possible elevation of the Foundation to the status of Custody, discussing central issues such as the will to create structure, its purposes and priorities. This moment was directed by the General Definitor.

Br. Paulo thanked Br. Jeferson Marx for his presence and work in the formation of the postulants in the Fraternity of the Portiuncola and announced the friar's return to Brazil. In addition, the Minister Provincial justified his absence from the priestly ordination of the brothers that will take place on August 2 of this year (Br. Domingos Kakanda Soma, Br. Elias Hebo Luís, Br. Evaristo Seque Joaquim and Br. José João Ganga), wishing them a fruitful ministry. Br. César expressed his gratitude for the welcome and reinforced the commitment of the General Government to support the growth of the Foundation, aligning itself with the Franciscan identity of Friars Minor.

The Assembly stood out for the spirit of hope and the commitment of all those present to strengthen the Franciscan mission in Angola, with a view to the creation of a new Custody that will contribute to the strengthening of the vocation and service to the most needy and excluded in our society.

FIMDA Assembly Communication Team

Leia a notícia no texto original em português