on June 29, 2026
One might say that the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Region’s annual chapter was an extended spiritual moment.
Outgoing Regional Minister Carol Onuffer, OFS, was quick to express her joy at being among “Franciscan people,” lifting her from life’s distractions and negativity.
National Spiritual Assistant Fr. Marek Sybor, OFM Conv., reminded everyone that St. Francis of Assisi continued to attract people even 800 years later, and that the Franciscan charism was important to the life of the church.
National Councilor Chris Leone, OFS, invoked the Holy Spirit in preparation for the triennial election of the regional executive council, with Father Marek reminding the gathering of the sacredness of such a call.
State of the Region
In her State of the Region report, outgoing Regional Minister Carol Onuffer reflected on the blessings of being among Franciscan people. Despite experiencing divisions and harshness in daily life, she noted, it’s the fraternity — the Secular Franciscan brothers and sisters — that bolstered her and even lifted her in joy.
“There’s something different about us,” she said and, looking at the brothers and sisters, added: “You continue to reflect the love of Christ through your ministry of soup kitchens, homeless shelters, animal hospitals, food pantries, and so many other quiet acts of service. You are living the Gospel. You are doing exactly what we have promised to do. And even as our numbers decline, our mission remains strong.”
The region was in the process of deactivating a fraternity, she reported, noting: “When I first began many years ago as a councilor, we had approximately 34 fraternities. Today, we have 17.”
She added: “But I also trust that when God calls someone, the path will open in his time.” Indeed, there are some new vocations. “Among our fraternities, we currently have 15 candidates” as well as “nine aspirants.”
She said the region was blessed with members who serve at higher levels, such as Vice Minister General Mary Stronach, OFS; U.S. International Councilor Mary Frances Charsky, OFS, and National Formation Commission Chair Layna Maher, OFS.
She also thanked and praised members of the outgoing executive council, and welcomed the region’s two new spiritual assistants, Sr. Pat Schofield, OSF, and Fr. Emmanuel “Manny” Wenke, OFM Conv.
“Francis, why after you?’’
In a spiritual presentation prior to the elections, Father Marek pointed to the persistent attraction of the Franciscan charism. Even 800 years later, people flock to Francis of Assisi, both lay and religious, he noted. Back when Francis was alive, that phenomenon prompted Brother Maseo to jokingly ask the saint: “Francis, why after you? Why after you? …I’m asking why the whole world comes after you, and everyone seems to want to see and hear you. You aren’t a handsome man. You aren’t someone of great learning and you’re not knowable so why does the whole world come after you?”
“Francis answered that God chose him for his unworthiness and insufficiency to show his mercy.”
With Francis, Father Marek noted, “we can speak about the spirituality of imperfection, of powerlessness.”
This poor man of 800 years ago still inspires people because he mirrored Jesus and lived the gospel.
Example of St. Kateri
In an on-going formation session, Layna Maher, OFS, spoke of the region’s namesake, St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
“This year, we celebrated the 350th anniversary of her baptism.”
The first Native American saint, who grew up in the Auriesville and Fonda areas, “used to like to go out in the woods, and she’d make little crosses. And she would just pray, constantly.”
Layna encouraged that practice in our own prayer life.
“Are we finding time to go out into the woods, to go out to a place that’s quiet, to withdraw, and be present with God? That needs to be a priority in our lives.”
Chapter Approves Budget
In a business portion of the chapter, Treasurer Craig Miller, OFS, reported on finances, with $32,549.56 in the checking account as of May 2026 (the first five months of the fiscal year) and $32,302.6 in investments, including restricted funds. He also presented a proposed 2027 balanced budget of. $29,950.
The chapter body unanimously approved it.