This month, history was made with a landmark gathering of 400 friars in Denver, Colorado. Friars from across the United States, known as the US-6 Provinces, came together for a Chapter of Mats. Father Paul Juniet explained, "The Chapter of Mats goes all the way back to St. Francis. St. Francis called a meeting with the friars every three years. Often they didn't have a place to stay so they slept on mats." The purpose of the chapter was to provide friars from across the United States an opportunity to get to know each other, collaborate, focus on the future, and of course, have fun! 

Thirty-five friars from Our Lady of Guadalupe Province attended the Chapter of Mats. Several friars played a special role in the Chapter. Br. Efren Quintero was a member of the planning committee that was instrumental in the success of the chapter. The planning committee's mission was to provide experiences that would break down barriers between the provinces.

Being rooted in faith, the Chapter of Mats started each day with morning prayer and closed each day with the Liturgy of the Mass. Members from our province participated in the Liturgy of the Mass as presiders, lectors, preachers, and musicians. A special thank you to Fr. Eduardo Espinosa, Fr. Gino Correa, Fr Jose Gutay, and Br. Miguel Alcantar.

During the chapter, friars attended various planned sessions and activities. Activities included: witness talks, interest group meetings, large keynote presentations, and socials. Fr. Paul Juniet and Fr. Edgardo Diaz blessed the friars with powerful witness talks. Fr. Dale Jamison helped shed light about the culture of our province by dispelling stereotypes. In a Chapter of Mats first, Fr. Charlie Martinez and Fr. Jack Clark Robinson played in a fun game of 'Family Feud' of Provincial Vicars versus Provincial Ministers. Questions ranged from "Name something one of the brothers habitually does during communal prayer that drives everyone crazy," to "Name your favorite Franciscan virtue or value.' By standing ovation and cheers, the Provincial Vicars won against the Provincial Ministers.

An imporant goal of the Chapter was to re-energize interest groups among the provinces. The interest groups allowed friars to come together over common interests and ministries. Interest groups included: campus ministry, African-American ministry, the arts, foreign missions, LGBTQI, vocations, elder care, and prison ministry. One of the most well attended and popular interest groups was on the topic of immigration. During the interest groups, friars were able to share their experiences, ministries and dreams.

The friars were also able to strengthen their brotherhood while exploring three different Colorado sights! Some friars attended a baseball game at Coors Field and watched the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies. Other friars chose to visit Echo Lake and experience the Colorado Rockie Mountains, while other friars took a guided excursion to see famous Denver attractions like: Larimer Square, Union Station, Civic Center Park and the Colorado State Capitol.

The final day of the Chapter of Mats was described as a 'joyful celebration" as 11 men were welcomed in to the Order of the Friars Minor. Fr. Jack Clark Robinson stated, "In the name of the order, we accept you into our brotherhood. May you become one in heart and mind with all of those who follow the example of St. Francis of Assisi. At your request, we receive you as novices to begin your year of novitiate.” Our Lady of Guadalupe Province excitedly welcomed Jesus Osornio as he signed the Book of Life.

The Chapter of Mats successfully showed that friars of various ethnicities, ages, cultures, and provinces are truly one in brotherhood!