In preparation for their upcoming 2026 Provincial Chapter, the solemnly professed friars of the Province of St. Bonaventure in the USA assembled at the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, also known as “Marytown,” in Libertyville (Chicago), Illinois, USA. The friars resumed their discussion on how to approach the future with a sense of renewal and security, and in collaboration with the other Provinces of North America and their dependent Custodies and Delegations.
On Sunday evening, September 14, 2025, the friars gathered in the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel for Eucharistic Adoration where they prayed for their confreres who would be professing their solemn vows the next day. After a blessing, the Minister Provincial, Friar Paul Joseph LANGEVIN, delivered a “State of the Province” address to highlight some important areas for reflection and discussion during the Assembly. These included the currently limited number of available personnel, financial matters, vocations, apostolates, and administrative resources, as well as the projected trends in each of these areas.
On Monday, September 15, the friars discussed concrete options for their future. In particular, they desired to be more united to the other North American Provinces, either by being assumed juridically―as a Delegation or a Custody―or by remaining independent but being more united through shared offices and commissions: such as the current common formation program, a common safeguarding policy, a common spiritual life, the current formation commission, initiating common offices for healthcare, financial/development, vocations, Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), mission animation, and the Militia of the Immaculata.
After an initial, but very thorough briefing by the Minister Provincial, the friars broke into discussion groups where they reflected on key topics raised during the Minister Provincial’s address. After a period of shared insights that were both passionate and productive, the small, thirty-member Province agreed that being more closely united with the other Jurisdictions of the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF)would, one way or another, be a positive and life-giving new chapter in the friars’ religious lives. The Assembly asked the Provincial Definitory to come up with a concrete proposal that would be reviewed and approved by the solemnly professed members of the Province before next year’s (2026) Provincial Chapters.
That evening, in the presence of friars, family, and friends, Friars Tarcisius BUCCA and Anthony RUFFOLO professed their solemn vows. In his homily, the Minister Provincial, Friar Paul Joseph LANGEVIN, explained that our Franciscan life was a “counter cultural quest for holiness.” He went on to describe the religious vows as “a radical ‘yes’ to the Divine initiative,” a contagious way of life that, for over 800 years, has drawn in the talented and the courageous, inspiring us all to great heights!
Friar Bernard Mary FONKALSRUD
Friar Joseph WOOD
