Mike Johnson, OFM, is becoming a very familiar face to friars and friends of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province. Although Fr. Mike Johnson is a friar of Holy Name Province and lives in Boston, Massachusetts, he will be spending much of his time this spring in New Mexico and Arizona. Fr. Mike Johnson was selected as the
General Visitator to the Province, a role that will help facilitate the process of discerning new provincial leadership. As the Visitator, he represents the Order of the Friars Minor "Curia", or leadership, based in Rome. This visitation is a
normal part of Franciscan life and takes place every time that a Province is scheduled to elect a Minister Provincial at their Provincial Chapter. Our Province will elect a Minister at the upcoming Chapter this May.

       Over the next several months, Fr. Mike will meet with every friar in our Province to discuss their joys, challenges, and hopes. Fr. Mike describes the visits as a 'hinge time' for the friars because it provides the opportunity to
"reflect back and gaze forward" with hope. In addition to meeting with friars, Fr. Mike will also meet with key staff and parish members to discuss their experiences. All of these meetings will ultimately help him create a report about the province's
strengths and opportunities for growth.

       Fr. Mike is looking forward to the process because he loves the unique
missionary spirit of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province. He explained, "These
friars are missionary people in a place that is not their own." He sees the journey
as a time to affirm all of the positive and fruitful works of the province. Please keep
Fr. Mike and all of the friars in your prayers during this time.