The Capuchin Franciscans of the Province of St. Mary assembled for their 25th ordinary provincial chapter at San Alfonso Retreat Center in Long Branch, N.J. There, they elected a new provincial minister and council and voted on proposals geared toward the renewal of their fraternal life and mission in the world.
Seventy-six friars, aged 37 to 84, arrived on Sunday evening, May 17, coming from Maine and Manhattan; California and Central America; and Guam, Hawaii, India, and Japan. A ritual of light at evening prayer brought the gathering to a prayerful beginning.
Monday, May 18, was devoted to reports on the state of the Province in all its aspects, from fraternal life and ministry to vocations, formation, missions, and more. The outgoing provincial minister, Br. Robert Abbatiello, addressed the friars on the achievements and challenges of the last three years. Br. Robert Williams, a general councilor of the Capuchin Order representing the North American friars, preceded him with his own remarks about both the struggles and opportunities that await our friars as we contemplate a future in which our presence looks different, not diminished, in spite of smaller numbers. For their reports from our international missions, we thank Br. Eric Forbes of the Delegation of Guam and Hawaii; Br. Maxim D'Souza of the Delegation of Japan; and Br. Juan Pablo Lobos of the Custody of Our Lady of Hope (Guatemala-Honduras-El Salvador). We extend our gratitude to the Holy Trinity Province of Karnataka, India, and their provincial minister, Br. Robin Victor D'Souza, for their longstanding fraternal collaboration with our Province in our domestic and international ministries, especially in Okinawa.
Tuesday, May 19, was devoted entirely to chapter elections. Br. James Peterson was elected provincial minister on the second ballot. He is the first lay brother to be elected provincial minister of the Province of St. Mary. Br. Maurice Moreau was elected vicar provincial minister and first councilor. Br. Will Tarraza was elected second councilor. Br. James Donegan was elected third councilor. Br. Henry Vas was elected fourth councilor. He is the first friar from Holy Trinity Province, Karnataka, India, to be elected to the Province of St. Mary’s provincial council. Congratulations to our newly elected servant leaders.
Wednesday morning, May 20, was devoted to conversations around the opportunities and challenges related to the unification of our New York-New England province with other Capuchin provinces of the United States. For wisdom and guidance, we listened to Larry Ford of the Franciscan Friars, five of whose U.S. provinces joined into a single province several years ago; James McCurry of the Conventual Franciscans, whose provinces of the eastern United States joined together years ago; and John Cecero of the Society of Jesus, whose three eastern U.S. provinces became one province in a process that began over a decade ago. In the afternoon we turned to conversations around initiatives to enhance the health and wellness of the friars at large with the help of our provincial health care team. We spent time looking in depth at how to have intentional conversations that can transform conflict into connection.
Thursday, May 21, was devoted to debate and votation on proposals relating to our fraternal life, our governance, and our mission as peacemakers. We approved a resolution to enter into a process of realignment with two neighboring Capuchin provinces. We also approved a resolution to promote nuclear disarmament through prayer, study, and action. We also had a constructive debate around two other proposals, one concerning the number and size of our fraternities and one concerning administrative structures of the Province.
We give thanks for the presence of every friar at our provincial chapter. We pray for the brothers who were elected to positions of servant leadership. We give thanks to the Holy Spirit for leading us surely into the next three years of our life and mission.
Click on the links below for photos and videos from the provincial chapter.