On May 11-15, 2026, the Province of Our Lady of Consolation in the USA celebrated its Ordinary Provincial Chapter. The event took place at the Province’s Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park (Las Cruces), New Mexico, USA.
This peaceful desert setting began as a pecan plantation and remains surrounded by hundreds of pecan trees. The original estate was offered to the Friars Minor of Santa Barbara, California, in 1954. In 1980, the Friars Minor entrusted the property to the Conventual Franciscans. Providentially, this Chapter was also celebrated during both the 100ᵗʰ anniversary of the Province (1926–2026) and the 800ᵗʰ anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis (1226–2026).
During the opening Mass of the Holy Spirit, presided over by the Minister General, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, the assembly was encouraged to discuss its strengths and weaknesses with honesty and charity, while never losing hope for a brighter and more promising shared future.
The twenty-three Capitulars appreciated both the Chapter’s business sessions and its fraternal atmosphere, especially at a time when the Province of Our Lady of Consolation and the other Provinces of the Conventual Franciscan Federation are facing a decline in numbers. Consequently, one of the major topics of the Chapter was the possibility of merging with a larger North American Province.
Alongside these serious discussions, however, the celebration of the 100ᵗʰ anniversary—highlighted by short historical videos—was an important opportunity to remind the friars of their heritage, their pioneering ministries, and the sacrifices, courage, and ideals of their forebears.
The Province welcomed Friar Martin DAY to his second term as Minister Provincial, with Friar Paul SCHLOEMER elected Vicar Provincial and Friar Thomas MERRILL elected Provincial Secretary. Friars Philip LEY, Randy KIN, Leo PAYYAPILLY, and Alberto BRAVO were elected Definitors. Friar Savio MANAVALAN was elected Econom and Exactor.
Friar Joseph WOOD.
