From the 7th- 11th July, 2025, the Friars of the Province of the Incarnate Word met in Provincial Chapter at the Theology Student House in Abidjan (Ivory Coast).
The event opened with an inaugural Mass presided over by the outgoing Minister Provincial, Br. Virgile Agbessi. In his homily, he exhorted the Chapter Friars with these words: "Let yourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit to live this Chapter in trust and mutual listening." After the celebration, the opening rite continued in the chapter house with the report of the Visitor General, Br. Laurentino Okica. This inaugural session was held on Tuesday the 8th July. At the end of the day, refreshments were organized as a fraternal and sharing evening.
This assembly responded to a threefold objective:
Speaking to the assembled assembly, Br. Laurentino, President of the Chapter, emphasized: “The Chapter is a time of community discernment, following the example of the first Christian community gathered at Pentecost.”
The following days were dedicated to the study of the reports of the Provincial Commissions and secretariats. The culminating moment on Friday, the 11 th July was the resignation ceremony of Br. Virgile Agbessi, after nine years of service (two consecutive terms).
A new Provincial government
In the framework of the restructuring of the Province, the Minister General Br. Massimo Fusarelli and his Definitory have appointed:
The Provincial Definitory is completed by Br. Didier Koublanou, Br. Marie Delphin Kuwuezou, Br. Jean-Benjamin Yavo and Br. Florentin Kouna.
During a solemn ceremony, the new government took the oath, and all the capitulars renewed their obedience to the new Provincial minister. The closing of the Chapter continued in joy and prayer, inaugurating an era of renewal for the Province.
We wish Br. Nicodème and his team a fruitful mandate at the service of the Franciscan fraternity and mission in West Africa.
With the contribution of Br. Alexis Kossi Bomda Mensah
