The Chapter of the Friars Minor of the Custody of the Holy Land began on Sunday 7 July at the Hermitage of Gethsemane, where the Chapter members gathered for an afternoon of reflection and prayer led by fr. Massimo Fusarelli.

The Father Custos, fr. Francesco Patton, welcomed the assembled friars after being introduced by Fr. Alberto Pari, secretary of the Chapter, the song of the "Veni Creator" officially opened the Chapter 2019.
The theme of meditation was inspired by the General Constitutions in art. 173 which highlights the supreme authority of the chapter which is responsible for carrying out an inquiry into the current state of the Province’s life and activities, seeking and proposing the appropriate means for its development and correction, discussing and deciding, by mutual agreement, about major initiatives and affairs and holding elections. Some key verbs were proposed to the attention of the Chapter members to meditate and reflect:
- To investigate, to analyze
- To search and to propose so as to improve and to correct
- To discuss and to decide together
- To elect

A "synodal" environment of pursuit should be the climate that can accompany the work of this new Chapter, even in serious and decisive confrontation, but with a manner of communion through sincere listening, the art of counseling, discussing, and, finally, resolving. A time of silence and prayer allowed the friars to internalize the proposed reflection. The solemn vespers celebrated in the cave concluded the first phase of the Chapter, followed by a dinner in the hermitage garden.