TECHNY, Ill. — Friars from Assumption BVM Province elected Fr. John Puodziunas, OFM, as their new provincial minister at the province’s May 23 to 26 Chapter. Fr. John, who had been provincial vicar for the past six years, was elected on the first ballot. He is a native of Philadelphia.
A total of 64 friars voted in the May 25 election. Fr. John, 51, who garnered 39 votes, succeeds Fr. Leslie Hoppe, OFM, as leader of the Wisconsin-based province.
Holy Name’s Provincial Vicar served as president of the chapter, after having served for the past year as the General Visitor for Assumption. Dominic Monti, OFM, said it “was a very fraternal experience, and the friars came to terms with some important issues.” He presented his report on the “State of the Province” on Monday.
Throughout his report, Dominic stressed the warm welcome that he was shown by all the friars of the province, according to the first of several Chapter News bulletins distributed by Assumption Province. “Dominic’s training as an historian came through loud and clear. He was able to speak clearly and honestly not only to our present but our past as well. His grasp of where we came from helped him to more fully appreciate where we are today, and where we might be in the future.”
The end of the chapter means Dominic’s duties as Visitor have come to an end, except for participating in the Congressus, which will be June 20 to 24 in Franklin, Wis.
Assumption is one of seven provinces in the United States belonging to the Order of Friars Minor. It was established in 1939.