Robert Campagna, OFM
WILLIMANTIC, Conn. — The Franciscan friars of Immaculate Conception Province elected a new provincial minister during their Provincial Chapter being held this week.
Fr. Robert Campagna, OFM, was chosen to succeed Fr. Primo Piscitello, OFM, who has led the province since 2010. Fr. Robert previously served as provincial minister from 1995 to 2010 and as provincial vicar from 2010 to 2016.
“I have written a note of congratulations to Bob and I look forward to deepening the strong fraternal bonds that have developed over the years between our two provinces,” said Provincial Minister Kevin Mullen, OFM. “I am pleased to join with him to advance the life and work of the friars in the United States.”
Immaculate Conception Province will elect its provincial vicar and provincial council tomorrow as its chapter continues.
In other news from the English-speaking Conference, Sacred Heart Parish, staffed by Assumption Province and located in McAllen, Texas, continues to welcome immigrants from various parts of Central America.
More than 200 people, mostly mothers and children, arrived at the church on May 10. This is the largest group the church has seen since last summer, according to Sr. Norma Pimentel of Sacred Heart’s Respite Center.
“It is happening just like in 2014 when we had that high surge,” she said in an interview with Good News, Assumption’s newsletter. “Although today, two years later, I would say we are more prepared for handling and knowing what to do and how to help.”
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement has already processed the immigrants, according to Good News. Most plan to travel to other parts of the United States while they wait for an immigration hearing.
Other news from the English-speaking Conference includes:
- A visit from Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin with the friars of St. Casimir Province in Lithuania for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The cardinal told the friars that Pope Francis plans to visit Lithuania in the future
- A letter signed by the U.S. provincials and sent to President Obama to visit Hiroshima on his upcoming visit to Japan
News about English-speaking provinces can be found on the ESC website and on the USFranciscans website.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.
Related Links
- “ESC Leaders Meet in Texas” — April 19, 2016, HNP Today
- “Antonianum Partners With Research University to Expand Franciscan Scholarship, Other News from Order” — May 4, 2016, HNP Today
- “Immaculate Conception Province Elects Leaders” – July 13, 2013 HNP Today