Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe Commence  their Chapter of Elections in St. Louis

(St. Louis, MO) More than 300 friars have arrived at St. Louis, Mo., to begin their first Chapter of Elections since the historic unification of five U.S. Franciscan provinces in 2023. The multilingual celebration began with the hymn, Veni Sancte Spiritus, as the Book of the Gospels was enthroned with the presider calling all friars to prayer.  

Together, the friars have much to discern this week as they have gathered to elect a new Provincial Minister, and Vicar, who will serve the next six years in office and a Provincial Council that will serve a three-year term. Together, they will help guide the province’s mission and the future of the Franciscan friars (OFM) in the U.S.  

As the brothers gathered in the 12th floor chapel of the Renaissance Hotel, Visitator General Br. Teofil Czarniak, OFM, read a message from Minister General Br. Massimo Fusarelli, OFM, reminding the friars that this season of change serves a greater purpose. 

“As a new province you are on a journey, a time of purification, in which you are being formed as a people that learns again whose it is and where it is being led,” wrote Br. Massimo. 

A poignant and symbolic moment came when Provincial Minister Fr. Lawrence Hayes, OFM, relinquished the seal of the province, ending his term as leader and paving the way for the next administration. His brothers expressed their appreciation for his leadership with a robust round of applause shortly after he said: “I have done what was mine to do.” 

At the event, the Rule of the Friars Minor was read in nine different languages, showcasing the diversity of the U.S. province and the richness of the friars' cultures coming together as one. The evening ended in fraternity with some brothers meeting for the first time.   

About Chapter of Elections  

A Chapter is a major gathering during which friars come together to elect leadership, review reports and proposals, and make decisions that guide our mission. Part of the upcoming Chapter will focus on choosing the next Provincial Minister, Provincial Vicar and Provincial Council. Capitulars (voting members of the Chapter) will discuss and vote on proposals that will provide broad direction and guidance for the new Provincial Administration. 

About the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Order of Friars Minor)  

The Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe form a coast-to-coast Catholic brotherhood devoted to living the Gospel in the manner of St. Francis of Assisi and in imitation of Jesus Christ. The friars’ work is rooted in prayer, fraternity, care for the poor, education, art and social justice. Founded in October 2023, the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe was established through the unification of five U.S. provinces that belonged to the Order of Friars Minor, and includes missions in Puerto Rico, Alaska, Cuba and Jamaica. Combining their gifts has allowed the friars to renew their Franciscan witness to American society and begin an exciting new chapter of their long history in the United States. They go forth under the guidance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness, whose compassion and advocacy for the oppressed and suffering call them to live in solidarity with the marginalized. To learn more, visit friars.us and connect with @friarsguadalupe on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.