OFS, National Elective Chapter in the Central African Republic

From the 8th to 10th May 2026, the brothers and sisters of the national fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order of the Central African Republic, from six OFS Regional Councils, had the joy of gathering at the Parish of St. Anthony of Padua in the suburb of Bimbo, Bangui, to celebrate their Elective Chapter. 

On Friday, the 8th May, the official opening of the Chapter took place with Holy Mass presided over by Br. Saturnin Shadrac Langba Zounga, OFM, and concelebrated by Br. Pedro Zitha, OFM - General Spiritual Assistant - and Br. Boris Guessikane, OFMCap - Regional Spiritual Assistant -, who also opened the assembly of the Chapter. 

Subsequently, Adolph Assagba, OFS, delegate of Minister General Tibor Kauser, OFS requested a moment of silence in memory of the OFS members who have died in the last three years. At the same time, the local spiritual assistant of the western region in the diocese of Bouar, Br. Tomasz Switala, OFMCap, arrived. 

The presentation of the programme by the Secretary of the Chapter was unanimously approved by all the members of the assembly. Those present then followed the speech of the outgoing National Minister, Magloire Malissaba, OFS, who welcomed the delegates of the CIOFS and all the participants, reminding them of the joy of living in unity as brothers and sisters in Christ and in St. Francis. 

The Elective Chapter was presided over by Adolph Assagba, OFS and witnessed by Br. Pedro Zitha, OFM, who represented the Conference of General Spiritual Assistants (CAS). The Chapter was attended by 40 capitulars, 7 observers and 6 members of YouFra. 

In the afternoon, the report of the outgoing National Minister was presented, who expressed his gratitude to each member of the outgoing Council for their collaborative and fraternal spirit and creativity, making the work of the Council easy and fruitful. Afterwards, the Treasurer's report was presented. 

On Saturday, the 9th May, the capitulars began the day very early, with the celebration of Holy Mass in preparation for the elective session. The capitulars re-elected Magloire Malissaba as National Minister and Guy Alain Segoroye as International Councillor for the next three years. 

On Sunday, the installation of the new Council took place during the parish Mass, in which all the parishioners joined the Franciscan Family to celebrate the official opening of the jubilee year of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. 

After the Holy Mass, everyone gathered for a moment of sharing, characterized by great jubilation and thanksgiving for the gift of the Franciscan charism. Finally, the time has come to greet the delegates of CIOFS and to wish each of them a safe journey back to the different regions, bringing with them the message of the Chapter to work for the unity of the Franciscan Family. 

In the photo the new National Council of the OFS of the Central African Republic