The OFS National Fraternity of France has 2,140 members in 260 local fraternities and 22 regional fraternities; there are also 70 young Franciscan (YuFra) in 4 fraternities.
The National Elective Chapter was celebrated from December 12 to 14, 2025, in Orsay, in the spirituality center “La Clarté-Dieu”.
The capitulars enjoyed an hour of worship on Friday evening, followed by the recitation of vespers. The two representatives of the International Council of the Secular Franciscan Order (CIOFS), Adolph Assagba, delegate of the OFS Minister General, Tibor Kauser, and Br. Stefan Acatrinei, OFMConv, met the outgoing National Council in the evening, to discuss the program of the chapter and issues concerning the chapter.
Saturday program began with Lauds and the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by the guardian, Br. Jean Francois Marie Auclair, OFMConv. The whole morning was devoted to the presentation of various reports, to the discussions therefrom and to their approval. After lunch were the interventions of the representatives of the CIOFS, who offered a general vision of the OFS; in addition, Br. Stefan Acatrinei offered a spiritual reflection on the Canticle of Creatures.
Later, while the candidates for the new National Council were present in the chapter room, Br. Stefan met the 12 spiritual assistants present; he listened to them, answered their questions, learned what their challenges are and their way of working. He particularly emphasized the qualities required to be an OFS/YuFra Spiritual Assistant: to be suitable and prepared. Vespers concluded the final session of the day, while the day ended with a prayer vigil.
On Sunday, the elective session was led by Adolph Assagba. The 43 capitulars elected as National Minister, Bernard Corder, and as International Councillor, Jean Pirnay. The new National Council was seated during the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Bishop Michel Pansard, bishop of Evry-Corbeil-Essonnes.
