“Forming Franciscan Capuchin Witnesses for the Church in Africa and Beyond” The formation course for African Capuchin formators commenced with profound earnestness on 20 April 2026 in Addis Ababa, marking a grace-filled moment for the Order in Africa. The program will continue its formative journey till 02 May 2026, sustaining its mission of renewal and inspiration among those entrusted with the responsibility of formation. This Schola Fratrum unfolds under the guiding theme: “Forming Franciscan Capuchin Witnesses for the Church in Africa and Beyond”. It is a call to deepen our identity as lesser brothers, rooted in the Gospel and responsive to the needs of the Church and the world. The tone of the gathering was beautifully set through the Eucharistic Celebration—the source and summit of our fraternal life—from which the brothers drew spiritual strength to begin this journey. In the breaking of the Bread, the fraternity rediscovered its foundation in Christ, the perfect Formator. Br. Gabreworld delivered a deeply inspiring homily, drawing richly from the Word of God. He exhorted the formators to anchor their lives and ministry firmly in the Gospel, reminding them that authentic formation flows from a life personally transformed by the Word. His message called the brothers to become living witnesses—men whose lives speak before their words. During the inaugural session, Br. Gabreworld, once again illuminated the essential role of the formator. He emphasized the role of a formator – a companion on the journey—one who walks with the formees in discernment, humility, and fraternity. Central to this mission is the recognition that the Holy Spirit is the primary Formator, gently shaping hearts and guiding each brother toward conformity with Christ in the Capuchin Franciscan way. Br. Patrice with his presence well supported the thoughts expressed by Br. Gabreworld. The presence of Brs. Abera, Waldheim, Joaquim and Kilian, alongside other resource persons who journeyed from various regions to Addis Ababa, highlighted the Order’s deep commitment to formation. Their participation reflects a shared responsibility to nurture the minds, hearts, and spirits of those called to our life of minority, fraternity, and contemplative presence in the world. Aware of the vital importance of formation for the vitality and future of the Order, the brothers have generously committed themselves—heart, mind, and strength—to this responsibility of being exemplary formators. With renewed zeal, they seek to accompany both initial and ongoing formation, so that each brother may embody the Franciscan charism in word and deed. In this spirit, Schola Fratrum Africa stands as a beacon of hope: forming brothers who, filled with the Holy Spirit, will bear credible witness to the Gospel by living the Word of God—faithfully, joyfully, and prophetically—in Africa and beyond. This formation course is designed for formators involved in both initial and ongoing formation in African Capuchin jurisdictions, with special emphasis on initial formation as the foundational stage of Capuchin life. Through reflection on current formative challenges, participants will examine human, Franciscan, biblical, and socio-cultural dimensions of formation, assess the continuity between initial and ongoing formation – a help to identify shared priorities and concrete pathways for strengthening formation structures across African jurisdictions. 1st DAY: Monday 20 April 2nd Sy: TUESDAY 21 APRIL In a formation context, discernment and accompaniment emerge as essential biblical foundations for guiding persons in their human, spiritual, and vocational growth. Sacred Scripture presents discernment as a sustained process of listening to God’s Word, interpreting life experiences in the light of faith, and responding freely to God’s call. Accompaniment, in turn, is revealed as a patient and compassionate ministry of presence, modeled by God’s faithful guidance of Israel and fulfilled in Jesus’ attentive walking with his disciples. This session explores key biblical texts to show how discernment and accompaniment function together as formative dynamics, fostering maturity, responsibility, and freedom in those being formed. By grounding formation practices in the biblical tradition, the presentation will highlight how Scripture continues to inspire authentic pathways of growth, accountability, and mission within the life of the Church. 3rd DAY: WEDNESDAY, 22 APRIL Human formation is a progressive process that unfolds through the stages of Capuchin formation as a whole (initial and ongoing), with recurring human goals at each stage to cherish the gift of life, heal the wounds, manifest goodness and begin the process of integration. It is progressive accompanying of the brother from initial formation into ongoing formation. It addresses: These elements are revisited and deepened at different moments, rather than completed once and for all. Thus, the stages of formation in Capuchin formative journey are intentionally designed and structured to bring about integral formation and to guide a friar from initial discernment to lifelong commitment. These stages try to integrate the five dimensions of Capuchin formation—human, spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and fraternal, which presents at the same time several challenges, especially given the holistic and deeply relational nature of Capuchin life. Each stage is designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring a holistic and gradual integration into Capuchin life. Culture plays a decisive role in the formation of Capuchin friars in Africa, shaping personal identity, community life, and the way the Franciscan charism is received and lived. Within the African context, formation is called to engage deeply with local cultural values such as communal belonging, respect for elders, storytelling, spirituality of life, and a strong sense of relationship. It is also offering critical discernment in the light of the Gospel and the Capuchin tradition. This reflection explores the dynamic relationship between culture and formation in African Capuchin settings, highlighting both the richness and the challenges that arise when diverse cultural expressions encounter the evangelical counsels, fraternal life, and mission. By fostering a dialogical and incarnational approach, Capuchin formation in Africa is invited to integrate cultural identity and Franciscan values in a way that promotes human maturity, evangelical freedom, and faithful service to the Church and society. 4th DAY: THURSDAY, 23 APRIL Vocational discernment and motivation in religious formation refer to two closely connected processes that help a person understand, embrace, and faithfully live a call
