Chapter Chapter - A chapter is an official gathering of friars to discuss business or spiritual affairs. A Chapter is the locus for legislative decision making among the friars. Chapters happen on several levels. At the Siena friary we hold a house chapter each month.
Provincial chapters occur every three years.
A provincial chapter is presided over by a visitor from a different province. It is his responsibility to visit every friar and to make recommendations for the future. At the provincial chapter legislation is approved and elections are held for the provincial, the vicar provincial, and for the provincial council. An international chapter with representatives from provinces around the world provides a similar function on the global level every six years. It receives its name from a gathering during the life of St. Francis at which all the friars sat on mats.