The Franciscans Friars of Eastern Canada, members of the St-Joseph Province, held their Chapter in Granby, Quebec, from May 14 to May 19, 2017.
The Chapter is a key moment in the life of the Franciscans. The friars had the opportunity to review the past years and to make plans for the future. During this privileged time, the friars gathered to reflect on important topics such as the Community mission, evangelization, fraternal life and international collaboration.
At this Chapter, the friars elected a new Provincial Council. The new elected members of the leadership team are:
- Pierre Charland, provincial minister;
- Michel Boyer, provincial vicar;
- Pierre Brunette, definitor (councillor);
- Henri Éthier, definitor (councillor);
- Aimé Dô Van Thông, definitor (councillor);
- Néhémie Prybinski, definitor (councillor).
Pierre Charland, new provincial minister, said that he is touched by the trust given to him by the friars. He is happy with the directions taken at the Chapter: “… we have opted for fundamental values of our Church, which are at the heart of the Gospel. Our world needs to go back to what is essential to brake down the barriers fostering a more fraternal society.”
The Order of Friars Minor, founded by Saint Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago, has a membership of 13, 500 Franciscans all around the world. They are present in 47 countries on the 5 continents.
Important challenges await the new Council in the upcoming months. The St-Joseph Province has a membership of 61 friars living and missioning in five fraternities (three in Montreal, one in Lachute and one in Trois-Rivières).
For more information on the Franciscan Friars of Eastern Canada, visit www.franciscanfriars.ca