Rensselaer to Rome: Brother makes Franciscan history

The head of the Conventual Franciscan order, he explained from his current home at St. Anthony-on-Hudson Friary in Rensselaer, is called the "minister general." Nine assistant generals form a governing council that represents each area of the world in which the Franciscans serve.

A Buffalo native, Brother John-Joseph is in charge of North America, England and Ireland. Through the governing council, he will help make decisions on issues that affect the Franciscans internationally. He will also be a liaison between the order's general government and the "local" governments in the countries he represents.

His appointment is an historic event: The position of assistant general has been held by a priest since the founding days of the Franciscan order. Brother John-Joseph noted that he is the first brother to be appointed assistant general "in about 800 years, I guess. It's sort of overwhelming. It's a vote of confidence in myself and what the order is moving toward."

In the 1300s, he explained, the Church began to restrict the rights of religious brothers. But the Conventual Franciscans realized in this century that their order was founded as a fraternity, and are now striving for full equality between priests and brothers.

Brother John-Joseph has been secretary and assistant provincial for his order's Immaculate Conception province since 1997. Having just added a master's degree in Franciscan studies from St. Bonaventure University in Olean to his bachelor's from Siena College, he said he brings several strengths to his new position, including "a different perspective toward the history of the order, and toward the relationship of ministry and fraternity."

One thing he doesn't bring is extended experience in Italy. He's been there only once before, for a brief meeting. Now, he will serve a six-year term there.

But three to six months of each year will also be served in the U.S. Brother John-Joseph is setting up an office in Staten Island to coordinate various projects.

The new assistant general remarked that the most difficult part of his job will be getting used to the work schedule in Italy. Italians take a break in the middle of the day but then return to the office to work until 8 or 9 p.m.

"Their hours are very different than ours," said Brother John-Joseph.

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