On May 18, 2022, Pope Francis issued a rescript concerning the possibility of religious brothers exercising authority (even as Major Superiors) in our Order as well as others. This rescript made an exception to Canon 588 §2.
The first Jurisdiction in the Order to take advantage of this opportunity is that of the Province of St. Joseph of Cupertino. During the first part of its Ordinary Provincial Chapter in June of 2022, Friar James Reiter, a religious brother, was chosen to be the Vicar Provincial of the Province. This decision was approved by the General Definitory and by the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
Friar James Reiter grew up in Chicago, IL and entered the friars after high school. He earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Loyola University in Chicago and a master’s degree in religious education from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Friar James’ service to the Order and Province has principally been in education and formation of apostolates. Some of his assignments include St. Hedwig, Detroit; Bishop Montgomery, Torrance; Central Catholic, Modesto; and St. Bernard, Playa Del Rey. Friar James has found his over ten years as Novice Master to be his most fulfilling and rewarding ministry, especially in that it combined his love for teaching and contributed to the further development and growth of the Order.
Friar James has served as a Definitor with four separate Ministers Provincial and recently has worked as the Provincial Secretary. He will combine his responsibilities as Vicar Provincial and Provincial Secretary throughout this mandate.
Congratulations Brother James and praise be to God. May God continue to bless you.
Friar James makes his profession of faith and takes his oath of office
Excerpts in this post from a article on ofmconv.net and written by Friar Jude Winkler.