Provincial Administration

The Franciscan Order is divided world-wide into entities called Province. A Province consists of at least 40 solemn professed Franciscans headed by a Provincial Minister. A Province is created by the Franciscan Curial Offices in Rome.

The Provincial Minister is elected by the fraternity for a six-year term. He may be re-elected for an additional three years for a total of nine years in that position.

His Vicar is elected for a term of the same length.

In addition the Provincial and Vicar Ministers are supported by a council of five friars. These men are elected for a three-year term.

The manner of leadership is described as fraternal, consultative and decisions made by consensus.

Fr. Leslie Hoppe, OFM
Provincial Minister
E-mail Fr. Leslie

 

Fr. John Puodziunas, OFM
Vicar Provincial
E-mail Fr. John

 

Br. Jerry Tokarz, OFM
Councilor
E-mail Br. Jerry

 

Fr. Francis Berna, OFM
Councilor
E-mail Fr. Francis

 

Fr. Bernard Kennedy, OFM
Councilor
E-mail Fr. Bernard

 

Br. Craig Wilking, OFM
Councilor
E-mail Br. Craig

The initials “OFM” are an abbreviation of the Order’s official Latin name: “Ordo Fratrum Minorum”—Order of Friars Minor. The word “order” refers to a community of religious men or women who follow a rule of life approved by the Church and who take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. The word “friar” is an English word that is derived from the Latin word for “brother.” The first Franciscans were primarily laymen. Francis wanted the Order to be a “fraternity”—a community of equals. The word “minor” reflects Francis’ wish that his brothers number themselves among the least important members of society. They are to live like the poor and serve the poor.