As this issue of The Capuchin Journey was going to press, the 86th general chapter of the Capuchin Order was coming to its conclusion. Every six years, friars from every corner of the world gather in Rome to deliberate about the global mission of the Order, to make decisions concerning the life and work of the friars, and to elect a general minister and general council.

The theme of this year’s general chapter was “The Lord has given me brothers … to go out into the world.” Broadly, the friars assembled at the chapter addressed the theme of fraternal collaboration across continents and cultures. Specifically, they touched on the St. Lawrence of Brindisi fraternities, intentional missionary fraternities that have emerged in Europe and the Americas. They also evaluated the Ratio Formationis, the Order’s plan of formation enacted in 2018, and how well its implementation has implanted the charisms of the Order around the world.

On Sept. 5, Fr. Robert Williams, provincial minister of the Province of the Stigmata (New Jersey), was elected to the general council, representing the friars of the North American and Pacific Capuchin Conference. He will move from his provincial headquarters in Union City, N.J., to Rome, to serve with Fr. Roberto Genuin of Italy, who was re-elected general minister. He succeeds our brother Br. Celestino Arias, who concluded his six-year term on the general council and is returning to the Province. We thank Brother Tino for his extraordinary service to the Order, and we warmly welcome him back!

For much more about the general chapter proceedings, please visit the special website of the Order. You can also read Fr. Robert Abbatiello’s letter for a personal perspective on the general chapter.