From July 19 to 23, 2021, nineteen capitulars and a total of nearly forty friars of the St. Joseph of Cupertino Province in the USA attended an Extraordinary Provincial Chapter and fraternal gathering at the Serra Retreat Center, an apostolate of the Friars Minor, in Malibu, California, USA. The Minister Provincial, Friar Victor ABEGG, OFM Conv., presided, with the Assistant General for the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF), Friar Jude WINKLER, assisting as the Minister General’s delegate.
On Tuesday, July 20, the friars attended a daylong symposium on Celibacy in a Sexualized World conducted by Dr. Kathy GALLEHER, a licensed clinical psychologist and university professor.
During Mass that day, Friar James REITER renewed his vows before the assembly, in celebration of his 50th anniversary of simple vows, as did Friar Kevin SCHINDLER-MCGRAW for his 40th anniversary of simple vows.
On Thursday morning of the week, the Capitulars voted unanimously to create a new Provincial Custody under the patronage of St. Francis Anthony Fasani in Vietnam, effective January 1, 2022. Immediately thereafter, the Chapter began its work to amend the Provincial Statutes in order to provide for the establishment and structuring of the new Custodial Jurisdiction. The Chapter also recognized the spiritual role and charitable activites of our confrere Friar Anthony PHAM, OFM Conv., (1963-1999) in bringing the Friars Minor Conventual to Vietnam.
Later that same day, the friars celebrated the first profession of Friar Wayne MULEI. Friar Wayne became acquainted with our brotherhood in the state of Nevada.
Finally, the Chapter drafted a resolution to thank both the General Curia and Friar Ray MALLETT, OFM Conv., of the Our Lady of Consolation Province in the USA, for their outstanding fundraising efforts on behalf of the apostolic and formation needs of the Order in Vietnam.
Friar Francisco NAHOE, OFM Conv.
