The opening mass on this Sunday was celebrated in the Church of Saint Francis, after a short visit to the tomb of Saint Francis. It was raining when the members of the Chapter took the bus to the city, and it was still raining on their return. However, the atmosphere in the Church was warm and welcoming. In his homily, fr. Vincezo, Custos of the "Sacro Convento" stressed that all Franciscans are called to give witness with their lives in our modern world.
After the Eucharist, the first working session of the Chapter started at about 11.00 a.m. with 56 members present out of 74 having the right to vote. The quorum needed for the Chapter to proceed validly being 38, the General Minister officially stated that this quorum was reached and that the Chapter can proceed regularly.
After this, the Chapter approved various officers proposed for the smooth proceeding of its work. Some changes in the programme were also proposed and approved
After this the Rules for the General Chapter were read and approved.

Having finished the preliminary proceedings, the General Minister started with the Report of the Presidency, which she continued in the afternoon.
Fr. Ivan Matic read the report of the Conference of General Assistants, the General Treasurer, Carlo Ceru SFO, read the financial report.