The fourth day of the Custodial Chapter 2025 began with the celebration of Holy Mass, presided over by Br. Alberto Joan PARI. In an atmosphere of deep spirituality, he made an earnest appeal to the assembly to pray for justice and peace—two goods that are both greatly invoked and urgently needed in these troubled times. In his homily, Br. Alberto offered a rich and evocative reflection on the day’s Gospel (Mt 13:44–46), reminding that the Lord gives us two simple yet essential images: a treasure hidden in a field and a pearl of great value. “The Gospel,” he said, “is not a burden, but the map to find the treasure; it is the path that leads to what is most valuable in life: the Kingdom of God.” A Kingdom that does not impose itself with clamor, but hides in everyday life, like a seed that sprouts in silence.
At 9:00 AM, as scheduled, the Chapter Assembly was officially constituted. The Chapter Secretary, Br. Eduardo Masseo GUTIÉRREZ, conducted the roll call. He also announced that on Sunday, August 3, a Holy Mass of suffrage will be celebrated in Cana of Galilee for the soul of Br. Haitham Franso YALDA HANO, recently returned to the Father’s House. The initiative will be made possible through a specially organized transport service.
After the announcements, Br. Rodrigo MACHADO SOARES led the customary opening prayer. The day’s moderator, Br. Alberto Joan PARI, then outlined the day’s agenda, which in the morning included group discussions on the report presented by the Secretariat for the Holy Places.
Following consultations, the Chapter’s Presidential Council appointed Brs. Diego DALLA GASSA, Donaciano PAREDES, Jonny JALLOUF, and Sinisa SREBRENOVIĆ to be responsible for drafting the final Chapter document. Afterwards, the seven group secretaries gathered to compile shared reflections on the report concerning the Holy Places. These were then presented in plenary by each group's rapporteur. The contributions revealed unanimous agreement on the urgent need to establish commissions to provide closer support to the Sanctuaries, universally recognized as the backbone of the life of the Custody of the Holy Land. Such commissions, it was said, would facilitate smoother and more harmonious communication among the various leaders.
Among the issues raised, particular emphasis was placed on the new missionaries of the Order, regarded as fundamental pillars for ensuring the continuity of the Franciscan presence in the Holy Land—gratefully described as the “pearl of the missions.”
The morning concluded with a powerful and long-awaited testimony from Br. Luai BSHARAT. His heartfelt and authentic account deeply moved the assembly. “In dark times,” he said, “faith cannot remain silent.” His decision to stay alongside the Christian communities in Syrian villages affected by war was a living witness of the Risen Christ. His presence among the people prevented hope from fading—instead, it rekindled in those believers an awareness of being part of a people accompanied by a tangible, visible, and active fraternity in the name of the Lord.
From the noble villages of Syria, Br. Luai recalled, have emerged men and women who continue to honor the Church through their sacrifice, making her holy. Numerous charitable works—made possible through the constant support of the Custody and other benefactors—are a tangible sign of ecclesial communion.
In the afternoon, the session resumed with the report of the Secretariat for Formation and Studies, presented by Br. Ulises ZARZA, recently elected Custodial Vicar. He clearly outlined the stages of the formation journey, identifying challenges and proposals to be addressed and realized. Formation, he stressed, is a precious treasure to be safeguarded and refined with commitment. Only in this way can we adequately respond to the needs of our time and prepare brothers capable of bearing fruit. In the Holy Land, more than elsewhere, solid and attentive formation is required—equal to today’s challenges.
Afterwards, the assembly had the opportunity to ask questions and share reflections before continuing work in groups during a further phase of analysis and discussion.
The day concluded with the solemn celebration of Vespers, presided over by Br. Andrea INGRIBELLO. His reflection highlighted the importance of deep listening to the Word of God—not remaining on the surface, but entering the folds of the soul and transforming life. “God,” he stated, “does not seek distracted listening, but a generous welcome to the Gospel that invites us to live what it proclaims.” He concluded with a simple yet powerful exhortation: there is no other Master but Christ. It is to Him we look, Him we follow—with the strength of the Spirit and accompanied by the tender presence of Mary, Mother of the Church and Star of the Mission.
