In the week before Pentecost, the friars of the Province of St. Mary gathered for their provincial chapter, an assembly that occurs every three years. They elected a new provincial minister and council and approved a proposal in favor of consolidation with other U.S. provinces for the renewal of their fraternal life and mission in the world.

The provincial chapter is the highest governing authority in a province. The Constitutions of the Capuchin Friars Minor states, “In a provincial chapter, whether ordinary or extraordinary, matters relating to the life and activity of the province and of the custody are discussed, concerning which all the brothers are to be consulted beforehand” (129:4). At an ordinary provincial chapter, the friars hold elections, choosing from among the friars a provincial minister and four provincial councilors. They also vote on proposals pertaining to various aspects of the life and work of the friars.

During their week together, the friars heard reports from their fellow brothers about the overall state of the province, its ministries, its international missions, its vocations and formation programs, its financial stewardship, and most importantly the quality of fraternal life. Chapter is a time for dialogue and for listening. It is a time for decision making, too. The friars were setting a course for the life and mission of the Province, but they were also mindful that the Holy Spirit was in charge of this gathering!

Seventy-six friars, aged 37 to 84, arrived at San Alfonso Retreat Center in Long Branch, N.J., on Sunday evening, May 17, coming from Maine and Manhattan; Boston and Brooklyn; 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. 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 remarks about both the struggles and opportunities that await the friars as they contemplate a future that looks different but not diminished in spite of smaller numbers. The friars heard mission reports by 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, a canon lawyer and chancellor of the Diocese of Portland, Me., 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. (Only ordained friars could be elected provincial minister until Pope Francis modified canon law in 2022.) Br. Maurice Moreau, a longtime pastor, was elected vicar provincial minister and first councilor. Br. William Tarraza, director of novitiate formation for the North American Capuchins, was elected second councilor. Br. James Donegan, who works for Franciscans International, an NGO at the United Nations, was elected third councilor. Br. Henry Vas, a hospital chaplain, was elected fourth councilor. He is the first friar from Holy Trinity Province to be elected to the Province of St. Mary’s provincial council.

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. The friars invited leaders from other religious orders to share their experience of consolidation: Br. Larry Ford of the Franciscan Friars, five of whose U.S. provinces joined into a single province several years ago; Br. James McCurry of the Conventual Franciscans, whose provinces of the eastern United States joined together years ago; and Fr. 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 the conversation turned to initiatives to enhance the health and wellness of the friars at large.

Thursday, May 21, was devoted to debate and voting on proposals relating to the friars’ fraternal life, governance, and their mission as peacemakers. The friars approved a resolution to enter into a process of realignment with two neighboring Capuchin provinces. They 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. Please pray for the friars, that the Pentecost moment we experienced at our provincial chapter will sustain us for the work to come.◼︎