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.