The Provincial Chapter of the Franciscan Province of the Immaculate Conception of the Order of Friars Minor was held June 17-21, 2019 at Mount Alvernia Retreat Center in Wappingers Falls, NY.  About 50 delegates were present.  The Chapter opened with a Mass of the Holy Spirit on June 17 with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, as the Main Celebrant.  Cardinal Dolan's presence was a great treat for the friars.  He reminded us at Mass to have a part in rebuilding the church, as Jesus told St. Francis from the San Damiano Crucifix.  He expressed his deep appreciation to the province for its ministry and activity in the Archdiocese of New York for over 150 years.  The Cardinal spent some time with the friars at a reception where he spoke to each individual friar.  Thank you, Cardinal Dolan, for your presence.  

Tuesday's Liturgy was a celebration of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Founding of our Province's  Central American Mission, in particular our foundation in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.  The Mass was celebrated in Spanish by Friar Rafael Fernandez, OFM, Superior of the Foundation.  He reminded the friars of the glorious presence of the Friars in those countries, and the many special ministries, including eight friars who became bishops, and the many friars who labored in Central American during those years.

Mass on Wednesday was a particular joy for us, as we celebrated the Solemn Vows of our brother Friar Victor Treminio, OFM. Friar Victor's family and friends were present, as well as a group of parishioners from Our Lady of Peace Church in Brooklyn, where Friar Victor has assisted when not engaged in his studies in Rome.  

Thursday's Mass was a celebration of the anniversaries of various friars marking special events, such as anniversaries of ordination, solemn vows, and first profession.   Friar Paul Rotondi, OFM, Provincial Archivist, spoke about these important events in the life of the province.   Friday's Mass is being celebrated for the deceased of our province, especially those who died since our last chapter in 2016.