Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Holds Triennial Chapter in Niagara Falls, Canada in June
Over 60 members of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province, ministering in Canada, the United States, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Perú, and Italy gathered at the Mount Carmelite Spiritual Center in Niagara Falls, Ontario for their triennial Chapter. The Chapter took place from Monday, June 15 (registration) until Friday, June 19, 2026.
The theme of the Chapter was Legacy of Hope. A series of working sessions were facilitated by Dr. Matthew Manion of Villanova University. Besides the usual reports by the provincial council, presentations were also made on the history of the province, Laudato Si', the province's strategic plan, and finances. Legislation was worked on during a session on Thursday morning.
The prior general, Desiderio García Martínez, in his opening address to the Chapter, covered a wide range of topics, initially reminding all that a chapter is a period of discernment with success measured by the fraternity of the decisions made. He reflected on the three vows and our need perhaps to rediscover the beauty of the Carmelite charism. He concluded with some challenges, including formation, spirituality, culture, vocations, missions, reorganization, safeguarding underage and vulnerable adults, and the incorporation of the Carmelite family.
On Thursday evening a banquet was held to recognize those members of the province celebrating anniversaries in this three-year period. The bishop of St. Catherines joined the Chapter for lunch on Thursday. On Wednesday, the Chapter honored Virginia Parisi, long-time director of the Society of the Little Flower in Canada for her 42 years of service to the society and to the province.
During the chapter the following were elected:
Prior Provincial | Prior Provincial | Priore Provinciale
Carl Markelz, O. Carm.
Vice Provincial | Vice Provincial | Vice Provinciale
Samuel Citero, O. Carm.
1st Councilor | 1er Consejero | 1o Consigliere
Jorge Monterroso Mérida, O. Carm.
2nd Councilor | 2do Consejero | 2o Consigliere
Michael Joyce, O. Carm.
3rd Councilor | 3er Consejero | 3o Consigliere
Raul Maraví Cabrera, O. Carm.
4th Councilor | 4to Consejero | 4o Consigliere
Edgar Lucio Lezama Aparcio, O. Carm.
