Papua New Guinea Elects its Leadership
At their triennial Chapter, our brothers in the Custody of St. Michael the Archangel, Papua New Guinea, elected the friars who will serve in leadership for the next three years.
Neil Blue, OFM Cap., Custos
Onesmus Wambua, OFM Cap., 1st Councilor
Joseph Chacko, OFM Cap., 2nd Councilor
Al Carver, OFM Cap., 3rd Councilor
Venantius Valuta, OFM Cap.,4th Councilor
In the photo are our brothers (l-r) Venantius Valuta, Provincial Robert Marva,
Al Carver, Custos Neil Blue, Joseph Chacko and Onesmus Wambua.
As prescribed by our Rule of Life and Constitutions, leadership is elected by the gathered Chapter of friars every three years. The Custos is the term for the minister of all the friars of a Custody. This chapter was held the week of November 24th, 2025. The presider of the Chapter was the Provincial Minister of our St. Augustine Province, Robert Marva, OFM Cap.
A Jubilee Year for Thirteen Friars
This year's celebration of our friars' Jubilees took place on Friday, October 19th. Although not all of our "celebrants" were able to be present (Puerto Rico and Papua New Guinea require quite a drive), we recalled each as the Province rendered its thanksgiving to the Lord for the graces given them in their lives and ministries. Our Provincial Bob Marva was the main celebrant, and Diamond Jubilarian Bill Gillum, OFM Cap., offered his reflections as homilist.
St. Peter To Rot: A hero-saint for Papua New Guinea
On Sunday, October 19th in Vatican City, all attention was focused on the lives of the the men and women celebrated in the rites of Canonization. Among those elevated was Peter To Rot, the first saint from Papua New Guinea, recognized as a martyr in his roles as a tireless catechist and faithful spouse. P
eter was executed by Japanese occupation forces during World War II for his steadfast defense of Christian monogamy and his refusal to threaten the integrity of his ministry.
Our friars have lived and worked in Papua New Guinea since 1955, and the event has been a special gift for the men and women of the island country. In Rome for the festivities was our brother Neil Blue, OFM Cap., First Councilor and Vocation Director of our Custody of St. Michael the Archangel there. He lives and works from Goroka's St. Hippoytus Fraternity.
Cap Corps & Friars Retreat to Alverno
Kyra Koons, our Cap Corps Volunteers director, related the events
of the volunteers' retreat to Alverno in October:
It's just never too early to follow the Lord's Call!
Check out the opportunities!
We've got some dates for you . . .
See the opportunities for men who are seriously discerning
a vocation to our Capuchin Franciscan way of life. We're inviting you to join us - come and see!
Profession of Solemn Vows
Congratulations to our brothers Federico Viquez, OFM Cap., and Pablo Lopez, OFM Cap.,
on their Solemn Profession of Vows on Saturday, August 16th.
The photos from the event have arrived!
See the snapshots by our confrere Ben Duphiney, OFM Cap., on our Gallery . . . .
St. FIdelis Reunion 2025
Our Annual St. Fidelis Alumni Picnic & Reunion took place on Saturday, August 2nd. It was the great Franciscan feast of Our Lady of Angels, and it started out with a Mass for those who were able to make it our motherhouse chapel in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville district. The main celebrant for the Mass was our Provincial minister, Bob Marva, OFM Cap., and some alumni-friars were able to be there as well.
2025 Golf Outing: They're All Winners!
On Friday, August 1st, we had quite a crowd for the Annual Fr. Bill Wiethorn Memorial Golf Outing.
Of course, no one was a 'loser,' but we can report some winners:
Above left, Joe Phillips, Eric Wendling and Tom Ray were the trophy winners in 1st place . . .
(Robert Sheesley, also on the team, missed the photo!)
. . . and the Repko brothers led the winning team of SFS alumni players.
In the photo, right, are Dave and Kieran Repko with classmates Larry Greer and Greg Fischer.
You can view all of the photos for the occasion here.
Profession of First Vows 2025
Our brother Joseph West, OFM Cap., professed his vows of poverty, chastity and obedience
in the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor, the lesser brothers, on Saturday, July 10th. Though the video was delayed for the first 20 minutes, you can still view the profession in the link below.
Join us in prayer for our brother as he begins his journey in our Capuchin way to live the Gospel.
See all the photos on our Gallery pages . . .
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