On a balmy hot week in July, twenty Friars gathered at Domus Mariae Retreat Centre, Chigwell, Essex, for their Custody Chapter at which the Provincial Minister of Ireland, Brother Aidan McGrath OFM, presided.

After the presentation of the Provincial Minister's thought-provoking Report the Friars submitted, in turn, their various reports and presentations on the present state of the Custody. Time, too, was had for fruitful liturgies and daily celebrations of the Eucharist as well as good-humoured evening recreation including, on the penultimate day, an afternoon trip to an Essex Jacobean mansion, Audley End.

A focal point of the week was the election by the Friars of the new leadership team, namely, Michael Copps as Custos and his Counsellors: Antony Jukes, Patrick Lonsdale and Michael O'Grady.

Together we now move forward into the next triennium.