Claretian Missionaries held their first USA Provincial Chapter during the third week of August in Chicago. The USA province was born on February 2, 2011 during an assembly of 80 Claretian Missionaries serving in the United States. The new province is the fruit of efforts of Claretian Missionaries who arrived in this country from Spain and Mexico in 1902. The missionaries served Mexican immigrants in San Antonio, Los Angeles, and Chicago, Illinois. 

Above: New Council for the Claretian USA Province (from left to right) Fr. Mark Brummel, Fr. Bruce Wellems, Fr. Rosendo Urrabazo, Fr. Len Brown, and Fr. José Sánchez.

Today, the Claretians serve in seven states, faithfully continuing to minister to recent immigrants. They also serve in campus ministry, youth evangelization, preaching ministries, publications, and other ministries. The reorganization process was facilitated by four joint gatherings for all members, a joint province plenary committee, and the use of professional facilitators. The first assembly of the new province highlighted the missionaries concern for the international congregation, revitalizing their present ministries, and looking to the future with openness, creativity, and faith as men on fire with God’s love.

The first USA Chapter began with the blessing of the Superior General, Fr. Josep Abella. The new provincial superior and provincial council was elected on August 25. Fr. Rosendo Urrabazo, CMF is the Claretians’ USA provincial, while Fr. Mark Brummel, CMF; Fr. José Sanchez, CMF; Fr. Bruce Wellems, CMF; and Fr. Len Brown, CMF were elected to the provincial council. The new council took their oath in the presence of 72 members of the Chapter.

Below: the Provincial Council and Superior General of the Claretians, Fr. Josep Abella: