On April 7-9, 2026, prayer and fraternal brotherhood were evident as approximately eighty friars from the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in the USA (OLA) held their Pre-Chapter Assembly. The event took place in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
During the Assembly, various committee chairs gave presentations on key areas, including fraternal life and communion, mission and ministry, formation, vocations, mission advancement, and the Marian apostolate.
On the second and third days, the friars divided into nine discussion groups. They shared observations and recommendations on a range of topics, including prayer life, initial formation, and poverty/simplicity of life. These sessions were followed by two plenary periods during which the participants had the opportunity to comment on the work completed.
All of the contributions from the friars were carefully recorded and will be incorporated into the text that will be prepared by those in charge of drafting the Four-Year Plan of the Province.
Also in attendance was Friar Paul LANGEVIN, OFM Conv., the Minister Provincial of the Province of St. Bonaventure in the USA (SB), who was invited to address the friars regarding the possible unification of OLA and SB.
“We would like to be a part of your Province,” Friar Paul said. “We have been intentional about what that could look like for us. At our Pre-Chapter Assembly, we discussed the realities of our ministry, our ages, and our finances, as well as what we hope to gain by coming together with you. For the most part, the majority of the SB Province is desirous of some form of unification with OLA, regardless of the timing with other Provinces.”
The OLA Minister Provincial, Friar Michael HEINE, OFM Conv., added, “When it comes to unifying the Provinces, nothing has been mandated from the General level. We invited Friar Paul to make this presentation, and I will be attending their Chapter at the end of May. We are undertaking this for the good of the Church and the health of the Order in the United States.”
Later, Friar Michael concluded the Pre-Chapter Assembly by noting, “There has been a wonderful spirit these past few days.” He also expressed gratitude to the Definitors for their leadership and commitment to the Province during the past four years. “It is a great deal of work and has not been easy. We are blessed to have such dedicated Definitors.”
OLA’s Provincial Chapter will be held in May and July of 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Friar Michael closed by inviting all present to pray “that the Risen Lord may walk among us in peace.”
Kevin A. KEENAN
Director of Communications
