The General Definitory, during its seventh session held March 23-27, 2026, at the Friary of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome, accepted the request made by Friar Joseph WOOD to resign from the Office of Assistant General for the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF). The request was submitted by a letter dated February 17, 2026, and was supported by the CFF Federation itself.
During the same session, the General Definitory elected Friar David BLOWEY, from the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in the USA (OLA), as the new Assistant General for the CFF Federation. Friar David accepted the appointment. His service will begin on June 1, 2026.
Friar Joseph will continue serving until May 31, 2026, collaborating in particular in the Provincial Chapters in the United States. He will then return under the obedience of the Province of St. Bonaventure in the USA (SB).
The Minister General expressed sincere gratitude to Friar Joseph for his generous and competent service over the years, while also assuring the support and prayers of the Order for the new ministry entrusted to Friar David.
Friar Tomasz SZYMCZAK
Secretary General
