SFO PRESENT AT THE OFM Conv. GENERAL CHAPTER 

Encarnación del Pozo, sfo
General Minister

On May 21st, 2007, Encarnación del Pozo, General Minister and Fr. Martín Pablo Bitzer, ofmconv General Assistant attended the invitation made by the General Definitory and the General Minister Fr. Joachim Giermek, of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual to participate at their General Chapter. 

The time scheduled for their intervention at this Chapter was 45 minutes, though it was prolonged for more than an hour as Mayor Superiors showed so much interest in same.  Capitulars in general were very interested to learn more on matters related to the spiritual assistance to the Secular Franciscan Order.  It is important to point out that both Encarnación and Fr. Martin, were received with great affection by all. 

In the name of the SFO, Encarnación thanked Fr. Giermek and his Definitory, for appointing Fr. Valentín Redondo and Fr. Martín Pablo Bitzer, as General Assistants during this six year term, making emphasis in their valuable work and enthusiasm during the time of their service.  It was also mentioned their respect for the secular role animating and guiding their own Order.   

Fr. Martin centered his intervention in reporting on his service and stimulating the responsibility of all Mayor Superiors with relation to the Secular Franciscan Order:  their pastoral care and assistance to same.  The SFO General Minister based her intervention on the actual situation of the SFO around the world and the need to assist them according to the real need of each fraternity and the members of the SOF, today.  

Encarnación, expressed great appreciation to Mayor Superiors for their dedication to the SFO.  They are responsible for guaranteeing the spiritual assistance to all fraternities created by the Friars Minor Conventual.  She also made a call to the responsibility of the Mayor Superiors so that Assistance, is borne out of love and fidelity to their own vocation.  She also mentioned how important it is to respect the nature of the Secular fraternity giving priority to their Franciscan testimony and the special way to fraternally accompany such fraternities. 

Encarnación presented the SFO adhesion to the works of the General Chapter, considering same as a grace of God to all Franciscan Family, as well as an invitation to all its members to grow in love and fraternity.  She wished all Capitulars a good Chapter assuring them the prayers of the SFO so that the Holy Spirit lights their duties and the election process of the General Minister and Definitory. 

Upon the respective reports there was an intense and animated dialogue with the Capitulars, which had to be interrupted by the General Minister. Fr. Giermek, as they were already out of schedule.  

Minister General Fr. Joachim Giermek, OFM Conv.