Mother Province Conducts Canonical Visitation

The Neapolitan Province of Our Seraphic Father St. Francis recently concluded the canonical visitation to the Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Blessed Bonaventure of Potenza. The Minister Provincial, Claudio Ioris, delegated two definitors, Friars Paolo D’Alessandro and Antonio Tiu, to conduct the visitation from October 11 to 24, 2025.

The visitators successfully reached all the communities of the Custody, personally interviewing thirty (30) solemnly professed friars. Postulants and friars in simple vows were met collectively. The team also engaged with members of the Militia Immaculatae (MI), several parishioners, and a number of collaborators. Throughout the visit, they were accompanied by the Provincial Custos, Fra Emmanuel Giva, and the Provincial Vicar, Fra Dominic Lim.

The visitation assessed key aspects of community life, including—but not limited to—spiritual life, pastoral ministry, economic stability, and the formation programs of the friaries across the country. Toward the end of the visit, the findings were formally communicated to the Custos, the Vicar, and the Secretary.

The report highlighted the vitality of the friars’ pastoral work, particularly in parishes serving the poor, as well as the steady growth of the various formation houses. While most communities were found to be economically stable, challenges remain, including the management of land properties and finances, infrastructure maintenance, and the closure of the clinic in Novaliches since the pandemic. Despite these concerns, the friars’ commitment to common prayer, fraternity, and service was evident. With sufficient numbers of solemnly professed friars and available formators, the report concluded that the Custody is well on its way toward becoming a Province—provided it strengthens its economic foundations and continues fostering ongoing formation.

Photos: Fra Paolo D’Alessandro, OFMConv.