Provincial Assembly & Solemn Professions
In preparation for the upcoming 2026 Provincial Chapter, the Solemnly Professed friars of Saint Bonaventure Province, in Midwest USA, assembled at the National Shrine of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, ‘Marytown,’ in Libertyville (Chicago), Illinois, to have initial discussions on how they might approach the future with a sense of renewal, security, and in collaboration with the other Provinces of North America. The Assembly also coincided with the occasion of the Solemn Profession of two friars.
On the evening of Sunday September 14, the friars began in the chapel of Our Lady of Fatima to share a time of Eucharistic adoration, to pray for the brothers to be professed, and for Vespers. Following benediction, the Minister Provincial, Fr. Paul Joseph LANGEVIN, delivered a ‘State of the Province’ address to highlight some of the important areas for reflection and discussion during the Assembly; these included current personnel, finances, vocations, apostolates, administration, and how these areas are trending into the future. The friars then enjoyed a time of fraternity over pizza and refreshments.
The next day, Monday September 15, the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, the friars began with the Office of Readings and Lauds in the main chapel, followed by breakfast. After an initial briefing, the friars broke into discussion groups where they were tasked with reflecting on key topics raised during the Minister Provincial’s address; a representative of each group then presented their observations back to the whole community. After some follow-up remarks from the Minister Provincial, the friars took a recess for Midday Prayer, lunch, and some free time. Friars then reconvened with their small groups to reflect on and discuss the challenges that the Province faces, both immediately and into the future, and what practical actions might need to be taken to address them. Returning to the whole group, the sharing was insightful, passionate, and productive; in conclusion, the assembled friars tasked the Provincial Definitory to come up with a concrete plan and proposal to be reviewed and approved by the Solemnly Professed before next year’s US chapters.
That evening, in the presence of the friars of the province and beyond, together with family, friends, and other guests, friars Tarcisius BUCCA and Anthony RUFFOLO made their Solemn Profession of Vows. In his homily, the Minister Provincial, Fr. Paul Joseph LANGEVIN, described our Franciscan life as a “counter cultural quest for holiness,” and went on to described the Religious Vows as “a radical ‘yes’ to the Divine initiative; a response to God’s love poured into our hearts; a way of life that has caused people to think that we are stark-raving-mad for over eight-hundred years, and yet, has proved to be so contagious that eight-hundred years later men like yourselves have found this Franciscan vocation irresistible.” He continued, “…and eight-hundred years later, we friars, continue to support one another in our way of life with integrity and with holiness; that’s why so many friars are here tonight for the public celebration of Solemn Vows – we all want to express our fraternal support, in this, our vowed life.”
The Rite of Religious Profession proceeded with both men being questioned about their intentions, and after answering in the affirmative, they prostrated themselves in total self-giving to the Lord as the Litany of the Saints was chanted. The Minister provincial then prayed over the men, after which each came forward to profess their Solemn Vows into his hands, officially witnessed by selected members of the Order. After a solemn prayer, the newly Professed, Minister Provincial, and witnesses, then approached the altar to sign the Book of Profession; all Solemnly Professed members of the Order then came forward to offer a fraternal sign of congratulations and welcome to the men. The Holy Mass then continued as usual, with beautiful musical accompaniment and assisted by a dedicated crew of altar servers. A delicious celebratory dinner, prepared by the Marytown staff, was then enjoyed by all guests in an atmosphere of fraternity and joy.
– Brother Bernard Mary FONKALSRUD, OFM Conv.
Vocation Director – St. Bonaventure Province, USA