It is with great joy the Conventual Franciscans received the news that Pope Francis has appointed our brother, Bishop-elect John Stowe, OFM Conv., to shepherd the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky.  He is a man of deep faith and integrity, with a sharp and inquisitive intellect, all rooted in a genuine pastoral heart.  This has been evident in his years as Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of the Valley parishes in El Paso, Texas, and more recently as Rector of the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio.

The bishop-elect has also served in leadership roles as Moderator of the Curia and Vicar General of the Diocese of El Paso (2002-10), and the last five years as Vicar Provincial of the Conventual Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Consolation.

Bishop-elect Stowe, 48, is the son of John and Lucy Stowe, of Sheffield Village, Ohio, and was raised at St. Anthony Parish, Lorain, Ohio. He entered the Conventual Franciscans in 1985, professed Solemn Vows August 1, 1992 and was ordained to the priesthood September 16, 1995.

While we are saddened that he will no longer be able to share his many gifts with our Franciscan friars, we know that the Diocese of Lexington will be abundantly blessed.

Very Rev. James Kent, OFM Conv.
Minister Provincial

Fr. John celebrates Mass for migrant farm workers in Ohio.