Yesterday, Monday, May 11, at the Carmelite Spirituality Centre in Darien (Illinois, USA), the Joint Chapter of the United States Province Our Lady Queen of Angels and the Good Shepherd Province in North America officially began. 

The day marked a particularly significant moment in the journey of the Hospitaller Order in North America, as the gradual process of discernment and growing awareness that had matured over recent years with a view to establishing a new Province has now become a concrete reality: the new Province of Saint John of God North America has been established. 

The unification process took place in the presence of Brother Pascal Ahodegnon, Superior General, accompanied by the General Councillors Brother Saji Mullankuzhy and Brother David Lynch. 

This journey has been characterised by mutual listening, fraternal dialogue, and a shared reflection on the current challenges facing the hospitaller mission in North America, in the light of the charism of Saint John of God and the emerging needs within the various contexts of service. 

To the religious brothers and co-workers participating in this important moment, we extend our best wishes for fruitful work, hoping that the Chapter may be a space of meaningful dialogue, communion, and shared responsibility, capable of generating prophetic choices for the future. May the Spirit accompany the capitular proceedings so that they may help continue and renew the hospitaller mission in the spirit of Saint John of God, at the service of the most vulnerable people and the needs of our time.