10th Ordinary Custodial Chapter

The first part of the 10^th Ordinary Custodial Chapter was held at St. Joseph Friary, Tagaytay City, from February 3 to 6, 2026. On the first day, the spiritual conference began at 9:00 AM and was given by Friar Eugenio Lopez III, OFMCap, parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Tagaytay City. Friar Eugenio shared his reflection on “Discernment.” After the conference, Eucharistic Adoration followed at 10:30 AM, and the Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated at 11:30 AM, presided over by the Minister General, Friar Carlos Trovarelli, OFMConv. At the conclusion of the Mass, the commemorative painting of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi was blessed.

The first session began at 3:00 PM, with the Minister General serving as praeses of the Chapter. Also present were Fra Giuseppe Myoungjin Park, OFMConv., FAMC Assistant General, and Fra Claudio Ioris, OFMConv., Minister Provincial of the Province of Naples. Forty capitulars and one auditor were in attendance. The session included the confirmation of the chapter schedule and the appointment of the secretariat, steering, grievance, and finance committees. Fra Raphael Ysulan, OFMConv., served as Chapter Secretary. The second session followed with the report of the Custodial Econom, Fra Bernard Anuta, OFMConv. This was followed by the report of the Head of the Custodial Commission on Finance and Works, Fra John Vianney Acosta, OFMConv.

The second day began with the Holy Mass at 6:30 AM, presided over by the FAMC Assistant General, Fra Giuseppe Park, OFMConv. The continuation of the second session began at 9:00 AM with the presentation of the Summary and Proposal Regarding the Life of the Custody by Fra Dennis Vargas, OFMConv. Group work followed and continued for the rest of the day.

The third day opened with the Holy Mass presided over by Fra Claudio Ioris, OFMConv., Minister Provincial of the Province of Naples. The continuation of the second session began at 9:00 AM with the presentation of the synthesis of the group work and the report of the Chapter Finance Committee. The third session commenced at 2:30 PM with the election of the Provincial Custos. Fra Dennis Vargas, OFMConv., was elected as the 8th Provincial Custos (first term) on the second ballot.

The fourth day began with the Holy Mass presided over by the newly elected Provincial Custos, Fra Dennis Vargas, OFMConv. The fourth session started at 10:30 AM with the election of the Custodial Definitors, Econom, and Exactor. Fra John Nathan Maagma, OFMConv., was elected Custodial Vicar (first term); Fra Jude Sandig, OFMConv., Custodial Secretary (first term); and Fra Bonaventure Bajar, OFMConv. (first term) and Fra Gerardo Lofranco, OFMConv. (first term) as Custodial Definitors. Fra Andrew Datoy, OFMConv., was elected Custodial Econom (first term), and Fra John Vianney Acosta, OFMConv., was elected Exactor (fourth term).

In the evening, the simple professed friars, novices, and postulants joined the capitulars in a fraternal celebration and dinner. Song and dance presentations were offered by the postulants, novices, and the simply and solemnly professed friars. At the conclusion of the celebration, the Minister General, Fra Carlos Trovarelli, OFMConv., expressed his gratitude to all who worked and prepared for the Ordinary Custodial Chapter. He exhorted the friars always to bring forth something new, reminding them that the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is ever new, before imparting the Blessing of St. Francis upon all.