On April 20-24, 2026, the Province of St. Joseph of Cupertino in the USA (West Coast) held the first part of its Ordinary Provincial Chapter at the Villa Maria del Mar Retreat House in Santa Cruz, California, USA, a peaceful place overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The twenty-six Capitulars experienced days of work and fraternity in the presence of the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, who presided over the Chapter and encouraged the assembly by recalling the ideals of the Order, especially at a time marked by concern over the diminishing number of friars. One of the principal topics discussed during the Chapter was the possibility of merging with a larger Province. Alongside this important discussion, considerable emphasis was placed on personal and communal renewal, so that attention would not be focused solely on increasing numbers to sustain the ministerial commitments of the Province.
During the Chapter, the Provincial Secretary, Brother James REITER, was elected to his first term as Minister Provincial, becoming the first religious brother among the Conventual Franciscans to hold this office since Brother Elias (1232-1239). [The Capuchins elected two religious brothers as their Ministers Provincial before us, in 1983 and 2019.] Brother James REITER has served for many years with distinction as an educator, formator, and administrator.
Friar Carlos MORALES was elected Vicar Provincial. Friar John FARAO was elected Provincial Secretary. Friars Paul GAWLOWSKI and Luke VU were elected Provincial Definitors. Friar John HEINZ was reelected Provincial Econom and Exactor.
Friar Joseph WOOD
