CAMSA News

On 21 February 2026, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointed Fr. Landry Philippe Rasamison, OFM Cap., a member of the Capuchin Province of Madagascar and Guardian of the Fraternity of the Capuchin Friars Minor in the Seychelles, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Port Victoria, Seychelles. He succeeds Alain Harel at the head of the diocese. Until this appointment, Fr Rasamison had been serving as parish priest of the Parish of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael in Anse aux Pins, where he distinguished himself through a pastoral ministry close to the faithful and firmly rooted in the local reality. Born on 3 May 1972 in Ambanja, Madagascar, he was ordained a priest on 15 August 2000. Fr Landry has a solid theological formation, crowned by a Licentiate in Theology — specialising in spirituality — obtained in Rome at the Pontifical Antonianum University. Immaculate Conception Cathedral at Port Victoria in Sycheles Sent on mission to the Seychelles in 2008, he exercised pastoral ministry there for many years within various parish communities, contributing actively to the spiritual and social life of the archipelago. His long-standing commitment to the country led to his naturalisation as a Seychellois citizen on 20 June 2017. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Port Victoria (Diocèse de Port-Victoria) in the Seychelles, was founded in 1852. It covers the entire island nation and operates under the direct jurisdiction of the Holy See. As of recent estimates, it serves approximately 70,000 to 76% of the population, making it the largest denomination.

The friars of the General Custody of Mozambique opened the new year 2026 with an annual Assembly which was held in Quelimane from january 6 to january 9, 2026. The Assembly which was revolved around the main topic of Self-sustainability was preceded by a 3 days retreat facilitated by Rev. Fr. José Pinto Tene, Rector at the Theological Seminary in Maputo. During the sessions of the Assembly, the friars tried to find ways for a self-sustained Custody amidts growing calls from the Conferences in Africa for a more just and self-sustained presence in Africa. The Capuchin Assembly of Mozambique concluded with the final profession of 6 capuchin brothers namely: Br Gabriel | Br Eduardo | Br Clemente Luis Sel | Br Cremildo | Br Demétrio | Br Fernando on 11th January 2026. The beatiful eucharist celebration which took place at Saint Angels of Coalane Parish was presided by Br. Francisco Chimoio, OFMCap, and former Metropolitan Archbishop of Maputo. A week later, two other Brothers, Br. Zeferino Mussa and Br. Demétrio were ordained deacons at Santa Rainha Isabel Parish of Mocuba by the hands of Monsignor Chimoio. For Br Lucas Gegema, Custos of Mozambique, the Assembly was «it was a unique and important moment for a renewal and rebirth for everyone».

From January 26 to January 29, 2026, the Capuchin Province of Ethiopia held a Spiritual Chapter at St. Francis’ Friary in Addis Ababa. The chapter commenced on January 26 with an evening prayer and a welcoming address by the guardian of St. Francis Friary. Subsequently, on January 27, the Provincial Minister officially welcomed everyone at the meeting hall, marking the opening of the Chapter. The discussions during the chapter revolved around six topics, which are: 1) Safeguarding of Children | 2) The 800 anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis | 3) The 500 anniversary of the Capuchin reform | 4) The Capuchin presence in Ethiopia | 5) Franciscan Capuchins’ identity in Ethiopia, a look back present and future | 6) Peace Justice and Integration of Creation. During the group discussion, numerous proposals were presented regarding the celebration of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s transitus throughout the year in each community, culminating in a collective conclusion. Additionally, the topic of Capuchin Identity in Ethiopia has generated many inquiries and suggestions. All Capuchin Bishops were invited to partake in the celebration of the Eucharist during the Chapter. They were, Bishop Weldetensae Ghebre Ghiorghis, Bishop Angelo Pagano, Bishop Dejene Hidoto), Cardinal Brihane Yesus Surafel (who was delegated by Bishop Tesfa Silasie Tadesse), and the Vatican nuncio (His Grace, Archbishop Bryan Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia and Djibouti, special representative of the Holy See to the African Union and Mgr. Massimo Catterin, Second Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission). The Chapter was formally concluded with remarks from the Provincial Minister who expressed his appreciation to all attendees for their presence and active involvement, as well as to the preparatory commission and resource persons for their contributions to the Chapter’s success.