Friars hold Province Chapter

The Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Western United States and Northern Mexico gathered for their 11th chapter June 13-17 at San Lorenzo Seminary in Santa Ynez, California. A chapter is a gathering of all the friars to review and make decisions about their life and ministry and elect their leadership. At this meeting Fr. Matthew Elshoff was reelected as leader of all the friars in California and Northern Mexico.

Fifty friars gathered to review their life and activities. They discussed and approved a strategic plan for the next three years, meant to help them focus their efforts and better serve the people in their ministries. Presiding at the chapter was Br. Mark Schenk,   a general Definitor (councilor) for the Capuchin Order in Rome. He shared with the friars progress and concerns among the almost 11,000 friars  worldwide. Among those who addressed the friars was Mr. Mike Smith, a businessman and long time friend of the Capuchins in southern California, and Fr. Mike Healey, a priest of the archdiocese of San Francisco, who grew up near the friars in his native Ireland.

A big focus of the chapter was the celebration of over 25 years of the mission in Mexico. In spite of the threat of violence constantly present, the friars serve the people joyfully. Among those attending the chapter were six native Mexican friars, who shared their various experiences of Capuchin life.

The friars also considered ways they could help the Capuchin Order in its new mission in Vietnam. Several friars in California are Vietnamese, and the Order is seeking their advice and help for the friars now working in their native land.

Besides Fr. Matthew, four friars were elected as his advisors, called Definitors. These were Fr. Jesús Vela, pastor of St. Lawrence Parish in Watts, Fr. Antonio Martí, president of St. Francis High School, Fr. Robert Barbato, director of San Lorenzo Seminary in Santa Ynez, California, and Fr. Harold Snider, a prison chaplain in Solvang, California. The friars ended their meeting with a renewed sense of mission and hope for the future as they returned to their various houses in California and Mexico.

Left to right: Fr. Harold Snider, OFM, Cap, Fr. Jesus Vela, OFM Cap, Fr. Matthew Elshoff, OFM Cap,  Fr. Antonio Marti, OFM Cap, Fr. Robert Barbato, OFM Cap

 Last updated July 16, 2011