Provincial Chapter 2026: An Overview
- sjogcs
- May 11
- 3 min read
This May marks the start of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God Province of North America's Provincial Chapter which takes place every four years. This live article will recap the chapter and provide insight to highlight why chapter is so important to our services in Westville New Jersey.
What is a Provincial Chapter?
A Provincial Chapter takes place every four years in each region of the Order. It is a time when brothers and coworkers gather to review our ministries, reflect on the challenges we are facing, and consider how best to respond to the evolving needs of those we are privileged to serve. Through prayer, dialogue, and reflection, the Chapter also looks to the future leadership of the Province. After listening carefully to the needs of the Province, the brothers, in prayer and discernment, elect a Provincial to serve for the next four years.
What is a Provincial?
The Provincial is the brother responsible for the leadership of all the ministries, communities, and brothers within the Province. Together with his council, the Provincial works collaboratively to guide the Province in fulfilling its mission and responsibilities over the next four years, remaining in close relationship with each ministry and each brother.
What happens to the brothers after the Chapter?
Following the Chapter, some brothers may be asked to move to a different community or serve in a new ministry. These decisions are made in a spirit of obedience and mutual dialogue between the Provincial and the brother, always with prayerful discernment.
Why is there a Chapter every four years?
Provincial Chapters are held every four years in accordance with Canon Law, which requires the election of the Provincial and Provincial Council at regular intervals. The Chapter also serves to strengthen and renew our shared mission of hospitality throughout the Province.
Where does the Province have services and communities?
Montreal, QC, Canada
Hamilton, ON, Canada
Toronto, ON, Canada
Miami, FL. USA
Westville Grove, NJ, USA
Clementon, NJ, USA
Momence, IL., USA
Albuquerque, NM, USA
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Day 1:
With grateful hearts and hopeful spirits, we celebrate the unification of the Province of the Good Shepherd and Our Lady Queen of Angels as we come together to form the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God Province of North America.
Rooted in faith and inspired by St. John of God, we begin this new chapter united in mission, ministry, and service. May this union strengthen our commitment to Hospitality and bring renewed hope for the future.
Day 2:
At Provincial Chapter, representatives from each ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God are present to highlight the important work that their service does. For our services in Westville, NJ, we were represented by our Board President Russ Johnson III and Assistant Executive Director of Mission Advancement Zach Cooper.
Our coworkers highlighted our important work, and the obstacles we must overcome to continue growing our mission of compassionate hospitality.
More than that, they are able to build connections with all of our ministries so that we may increase collaborative efforts and find shared growth together.
Day 3:
“We, Brothers and Partners in Mission, gathered at Chapter, identify the following urgent direction for the future and vibrancy of our St. John of God ministries.”
Brother Joseph invited participants to reflect on the needs of all of our ministries and develop a path forward together. Identifying a strong future for each ministry is at the core of this Chapters purpose.
Important Outcomes:
At the end of this Provincial Chapter, a new Provincial Superior was elected to guide the Province for the next four years.
We are proud to congratulate our own Executive Director, Brother Thomas Osorio, OH on his election as the new Provincial Superior for the new Hospitaller Order of St. John of God Province of North America.
As Provincial Superior, Br. Tom chose his council of Brother Stephen de la Rosa, OH, Brother Gary Hill, OH, Brother Nicholas Forna, OH, and Brother Thaddeus Bui, OH. This council will help to shape the new Province and establish stronger connections between co workers, the order, and all of our great ministries.
