Until 2018 the Franciscans of Canada existed as two groups: the Franciscans of Western Canada (Province of Christ the King) and the Franciscans of Eastern Canada (St. Joseph Province). Historically, the two groups have existed as separate entities with two separate administrations.
Over the years the Franciscan Friars across the country have decreased in number and increased in age, and the two groups are no longer permitted to sustain their individual existences, or to function as independent entities. Over the last five years they have worked toward a unification of human and corporate resources.
On October 22, 2018, the two groups joined their human and corporate resources with a single administration through the creation of the new “Holy Spirit Province of Canada”, which consists of a Provincial Minister and his Council (also known as His Definitory). The Amalgamation also allows for the two groups’ corporate status and legal holdings to be joined together under the same Provincial Minister and Council, and Board of Trustees.
For more information about the Franciscans of Canada, please visit: http://www.franciscanfriars.ca/