Chapter 2025

This year we gather for our Chapter. The word ‘Chapter’ doesn’t mean much to those outside the world of religious life. Well in a nutshell, is the three yearly gathering of the Friars in our Province, Custodies and Delegation. Over the four days of the gathering we do a number of things: we reflect on our life as Capuchin Friars; we plan for the next three years and set out our priorities; we pray together and we elect a leadership team to guide us for the next three years. Each Chapter has a motto and a logo. The logo for this year’s Chapter comes from some artwork by artist Giustina de Toni depicting St Francis of Assisi and Brother Fire from the Canticle of the Creatures (Celebrating 800 years this year).

The image chosen for the backdrop of our Chapter logo shows St Francis with Brother Fire ‘through whom You light the night and is beautiful and playful and robust and strong’ (Canticle of the Creatures). As Francis sings his song of praise he is enflamed and illuminated by his love of God. 

The Chapter theme and Chapter Prayer come from St Francis’ ‘Letter to the Entire Order’ written shortly before his death in 1224: Enflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit. This was always Francis wish, not alone for his own followers but for all Christians, to be enflamed by burning love for God through the power and working of the Holy Spirit.

As we gather in Chapter, we ask for your prayers and please be assured of our prayers for each of you.