Our Capuchin Franciscan brothers of the Custody of St. Michael the Archangel (Papua New Guinea-Solomon Islands) gathered for their triennial Chapter in the last week of November at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in the city of Mendi of the Southern Highands Province of PNG . The Chapter was definitely one for the history books. The friars gather to discuss our way of life and to elect leadership to serve the brothers for the next three years.
For the first time in its history, the friars elected a Minister (Custos) who was born outside the United States. Modest Sangia, OFM Cap. (right in the photo) from the Capuchin Province of Tanzania, was elected to serve, succeeding our brother Jonathan Williams, OFM Cap. (left) who had completed two terms as Custos. Modest arrived in PNG from Tanzania six years ago, in fact, in order to teach philosophy and theology at the school in Bomana, a great sacrifice for his Tanzanian Province.
Modest now takes on the task of working with his elected councilors to guide the brothers of the Custody and to animate our lives in fraternity and ministry in fidelity to our Gospel way of life. Here is a photo of the elected Council along with our Provincial Minister, Tom Betz, OFM Cap., who served as President of the Chapter.
Pictured, l-r: Brs. Albert Carver (USA), Patrick Herok,
Tom, Modest, Maneesh Mathew (India) and Michael Thom
The three agenda items that generated the most discussion were questions regarding the Custody's formation program of the young friars, the location of the Custody's future motherhouse (and central offices) and the advisability of collaborating with the Franciscan friars (OFM) in a Retreat Center for the Kimbe Diocese in the country.
The friars gathered in Chapter
Our brother Provincial Tom got a pig of his very own (tough to pack in the luggage?). It's a privileged and honored gift given in thanks and hospitality. Of course, it's not for packing up; it's used for the feast where the visitor is celebrated and is able to enjoy the gift!
During the Chapter, the friars gathered to pray at the Mendi Cathedral cemetery for our confreres, Sisters, other priests and benefactors who have ‘gone before us.' They've served the Custody from its beginnings as a mission, and we have a lot to be grateful for in the sacrifice and love to which they witnessed.Thanks to our brother bishop Don Lippert, OFM Cap., now ministering in the Diocese of Mendi, who provided these shots ad who celebrated the Liturgy (far right photo with our brother Tom).
You can share in our work and the Custody's future.
Our Seraphic Mass Association was founded
to provide for the people and for the education and care of our friars.
The Custody would never have come so far without you . . .