From April 21 to May 9, 2023, Friar Jude WINKLER, having been delegated by the Minister General, conducted a general canonical visitation to the Province of St. Maximilian M. Kolbe in South Korea.
The Province has sixty friars in nine friaries (including one in Torrance, California, USA). Three of the original missionaries, Friars Vittorio DI NARDO, Antonio DI FRANCESCO and Giancarlo FALDANI reside in the Province and assist according to their ability.
The Province has a number of different apostolates: parish work, care of handicapped children, care of mentally challenged adults, housing for the elderly, spiritual direction for the Secular Franciscans and the Militia of the Immaculata, formation, retreat work, etc.
The Ordinary Provincial Chapter for the Province will take place in October of 2024, so most of the Visitator’s recommendations for the Province will be related to its long-term preparation for the Pre-Chapter Assembly and the Provincial Chapter itself.
At this time, the Provincial formation program is in the process of being transferred from Gangwha to a house under construction in Seoul (it is expected to be completed in December of 2023). The Province currently has three simply professed friars and one postulant.
Friar Jude WINKLER
