The third day of the 2025 Custodial Chapter began in the light of the Eucharistic Celebration, solemnly presided over by fr. John Luke GREGORY. The homily, entrusted to the inspired words of fr. Silvio DE LA FUENTE, offered the assembly a profound meditation on the liturgical memorial of saint Martha, friend and disciple of the Lord.
Beginning with the Gospel passage from Matthew 6,34 – “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” – fr. Silvio called the participants to a radical trust in Providence, especially in the darkest and most uncertain moments of life. He continued by evoking the figure of Martha as an icon of a faith woven through pain and waiting, in light of the proclaimed Gospel (Jn 11,19-27): “I am the resurrection and the life”. In this proclamation, he recognized the centrality of Christ as Lord of hope, capable of renewing all things.
At 9:00 a.m., as scheduled, the Capitulars gathered in the chapter hall. After the roll call, conducted by the chapter secretary fr. Eduardo Masseo GUTIÉRREZ, and the presentation of the day’s agenda by the moderator fr. Stéphane MILOVITCH, fr. Tony CHOUKRY, Custodial Economus, took the floor. His detailed and comprehensive presentation offered a broad overview of the current administrative state of the Custody, sparking interest and reflection.
Following the presentation, the friars divided into study groups to explore the many topics presented. The results of their discussions were later shared in the assembly. At the conclusion of the session, and at the proposal of the Presidential Council, a Commission for Economic Review was established, composed of fr. Sergio GALDI D’ARAGONA, fr. Bahjat KARAKACH and fr. Carlos Gabriel MOLINA, tasked with examining the current administrative structure, especially in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic and the dramatic consequences of the ongoing conflict.
After a lively exchange of questions and observations, the Capitulars once again divided into working groups to explore the emerging issues, whose reflections were then shared in plenary.
The afternoon session resumed at 3:30 p.m. in the Immaculata Hall with the prayer of the Ninth Hour. The group secretaries then presented their summaries, highlighting strengths, critical issues and constructive proposals. In this context, the Capitulars’ deep gratitude emerged – and, through them, that of the entire Custody – for the trust shown by benefactors and friends, whose support makes possible the works of charity and mission, a responsibility that calls for an evangelical sense of service and transparency.
The second part of the afternoon featured the intervention of the newly appointed Discretus of the Holy Land, fr. Rodrigo MACHADO SOARES, secretary of the Secretariat for the Holy Places. In his presentation, fr. Rodrigo outlined a rich historical and spiritual journey through the Places of Redemption, passionately and thoroughly illustrating how they have been entrusted to the care of the friars minor through the centuries. He highlighted the tireless dedication of the friars, thanks to which these places remain alive in the faith and memory of God’s people.
Particular emphasis was given to the list of shrines currently entrusted to the Custody, true spaces of grace that witness to a centuries-old pilgrimage. Fr. Rodrigo also mentioned significant pastoral developments during his term, including the institution of a pilgrimage to Magdala with its own liturgy, an eloquent symbol of the spiritual vitality and dynamism of the Custody. Critical points and proposals for improvement were also raised, aimed at strengthening collaboration among the various internal bodies.
The day concluded in the church of saint Saviour with the celebration of Vespers, presided over by fr. Agustín PELAYO FREGOSO. In his reflection, fr. Agustín meditated on Christ’s obedience as the supreme example of humility, inviting all present to embrace this attitude in the evangelical style of saint Francis of Assisi, “who obeyed even when he did not understand”.
Rereading the words of saint Paul in light of pastoral experience, fr. Agustín emphasized how faith, even when it passes through darkness, becomes a space of consolation and surrender. Love – he said – “is not measured by what we understand, but by how much we are able to entrust ourselves”.
He concluded his meditation by evoking the Gospel figures associated with the memory of saint Martha:
