On May 18, 2022, Pope Francis issued a rescript concerning the possibility of religious brothers exercising authority (even as Major Superiors) in our Order as well as others. This rescript made an exception to Canon 588 §2.
The first Jurisdiction in the Order to take advantage of this opportunity is that of the Province of St. Joseph of Cupertino in the USA (California). During the first part of its Ordinary Provincial Chapter in June of 2022, Friar James REITER, a religious brother, was chosen to be the Vicar Provincial of the Province. This decision was approved by the General Definitory and by the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
Friar James earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Loyola University in Chicago and a master’s degree in religious education from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He served as a teacher and administrator in secondary education for twenty-one years. For eighteen years, he has been involved in formation work, serving as novice director, postulancy director, vocation director and post novitiate director.
Over the years, he has served as a Definitor with four separate Ministers Provincial and recently has worked as the Provincial Secretary. He will combine his responsibilities as Vicar Provincial and Provincial Secretary throughout this mandate.
Friar Jude WINKLER
