Assisi (Fides Service) - Fraternity in Mission is the theme of the 185th general chapter of the Order of Friars Minor from 25 May 21 June at the Porziuncola in Assisi. In the letter of convocation, Friar Giacomo Bini, minister general of the order, recalls the centrality of the Chapter as a moment of meeting for friars from all over the world, underlining that "it is an opportune time for verification, planning and renewal of government, prophetic opening to the new millennium which has just begun". The chapter members, about 140 Friars from various countries, will meet at the Domus Pacis House near the church of Santa Maria of the Angels within which there is the tiny Porziuncola church.
The chapter will revise the structures and general statues. The election of the Minister will take place on June 5 under the presidency of Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez. The chapter general is held every six years during the season of Pentecost, as it is laid down in the General Constitution of the Order of Friars Minor. PA (Fides Service 29/4/2003 EM lines 25 Words: 243)