CHICAGO - As part of an on-going process to discern the possibily of merging Provinces, friars of the St. John the Baptist and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Provinces met in a Joint Province Assembly at St. Xavier University in Chicago from May 24 to May 28.
Provincial Minister
Leslie Hoppe of the Assumption Province said, "The JPA marked a very significant turning point in the discernment process. We began this adventure with SJB more than three years ago. It is now time to decide. The brothers of our two Provinces will now begin steps to come to a decision about our future. Will we create a new Province or will we continue as two separate Provinces?"
General Definitor Francis Walter was present at the Assembly representing the General Minister. Frank spoke to the friars about Rome's involvement in the process of discernment. "I send you my fraternal embrace," Frank read from a letter sent by José. "Above all, I would like to thank God for all that you do, my brothers."
The Minister General commended the provinces for engaging in the discernment process and reflected upon the themes of spirituality, fraternity and mission. "I invite you to tread this path with serenity," José wrote. "Do not let the future decide this for you."
Given that statement, it was natural that some the questions fielded by Frank dealt with the Order's role in determining the future of American provinces. Henry Beck voiced the opinion he had heard others raise that morning: "We need to do this before Rome makes us do it." Frank's response was emphatic: "That's not true. That's not true at all. There's no heavy hand here at all."
Concern among friars about numbers was obvious, since the "magic" number for continued existence as a distinct entity is 40. Asked, "What are the smallest numbers of members in individual provinces that still exist?", Frank replied, "There are provinces with 50 friars."
He spoke about regions of growth for the Order (Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea, the Philippines and Mexico), mission projects in the Amazon and the Sudan, dialogue between the First and Third Orders.
He also revealed a disturbing trend: Among religious orders, Friars Minor lead the pack in the annual number of "defections." "What's the problem here?" Frank asked. "Maybe it's a problem with our formation programs,"
since many of those leaving are younger friars.
"The General says we lose [the equivalent of] three provinces each year from death and defections," with the worldwide number of OFMs now under 15,000.
Frank was asked if Rome has considered the bigger picture - the future of the Franciscan Order and ministry in the United States. "I don't think these things can be imposed from the top," he replied. "I think it should come from the grass roots. It's more authentic." In terms of proactive strategy,
"You already are ahead of many people in the Order," he told his friar audience. "You've already begun the process of discernment."
Both Provinces hope to reach a final decision by this time next year at their respective Provincial Chapters.
(This story is compiled from newsletters of both Assumption and SJB Provinces.)
