Provincial Chapter of Elections of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, USA

The Friars Minor of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe concluded a historic Provincial Elective Chapter in St. Louis, MO (U.S.) this week, gathering in prayer, fraternity and discernment as they elected a new Provincial Government and reflected on the future of Franciscan life and ministry.

The assembly marked the first Provincial Elective Chapter since the 2023 unification of five U.S. Franciscan provinces. More than 300 friars from across the country came together July 12-17, 2026, to choose the new Provincial Government, deliberate proposals and celebrate their shared vocation, helping shape the next chapter in the life of the province.

“Brothers, we have a provincial: Michael Perry,” announced Br. Larry Ford, OFM, Chapter Secretary on Wednesday. After a brief pause, cheers swept through the room. Applause followed, and the friars rose together in a standing ovation.

Br. Michael Perry, OFM

Br. Michael Perry, OFM, was the first elected Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe, receiving an absolute majority of Chapter Members’ votes. Visitator General/President of the Chapter Br. Teofil Czarniak, OFM, presented the provincial seal to Br. Michael, who received it with a quiet reverence.

Br. Michael, director of the Laudato Si’ Center for Integral Ecology at Siena University in Loudonville, New York, served the Order of Friars Minor as Minister General, the 120th successor of St. Francis of Assisi, from 2013 to 2021, as well as Definitor Provincial and Minister Provincial for the legacy Sacred Heart Province.

“I don't deserve to be standing here,” Br. Michael said after making an oath of fidelity to the Catholic Church and promising to ensure the observance of the Rule and General Constitutions throughout the province. “Pray for me, please, and thank you for your trust and your love.”

Br. Erick López, OFM, was later elected Vicar Provincial by majority vote. Br. Erick, who served on the first Provincial Definitory of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe and is based in Carolina, Puerto Rico, ministered for nearly nine years at St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring, Maryland (U.S.).

Br. Erick López, OFM

With his hand resting on the Book of Gospels, Br. Erick professed his belief in the doctrines of the Catholic Church with quiet reverence. “I promise to serve you with everything I have,” he said. Then, in Spanish, he added: “To my brothers in Puerto Rico, you touched my heart. Thank you.”

Following the election, the friars gathered in prayer as the newly elected Minister Provincial and Vicar Provincial professed the Oath of Fidelity and the Profession of Faith.

Beyond elections, the Chapter served as a forum for fraternity, reflection and decision-making. Friars reviewed reports, discussed proposals and considered priorities that will help shape the province’s mission in the years ahead. Discussions were lively and open, as friars shared hopes, concerns and aspirations, often punctuated by moments of fraternity and well-timed levity.

In addition to electing a Minister Provincial and Vicar Provincial, the Chapter Members also selected members of the Provincial Definitory, who will serve alongside the new Provincial Government in guiding the life and ministry of the province:

• Br. John Aherne, OFM
• Br. Peter Boegel, OFM
• Br. George Camacho, OFM
• Br. Henry Fulmer, OFM
• Br. Colin King, OFM
• Br. Roger Lopez, OFM
• Br. Rommel Perez Flores, OFM

With the election of new leaders, proposal votes finalized and chapter concluded, the focus turned to honoring the jubilarians whose decades of faithful service helped shape the Franciscan life being carried forward today.

Among them: Br. James Bok, OFM, marking 50 years of priesthood, offered younger friars simple advice drawn from a lifetime of ministry: “Say yes to the unexpected.”

“I never planned or expected to be involved in any of the ministries that were mine,” he said. “It's been an incredible and blessed ride, with someone else at the wheel. Brothers, say yes to the unexpected. The Holy Spirit is in it somewhere!”

With the collaboration of Kerting Baldwin 

Photo: Br. Octavio Duran, OFM