On Monday, June 1, 2026, Friar David Francis BLOWEY, of the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in the USA [OLA], officially began his service as Assistant General for the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF). He took office at the start of the eighth session of the General Definitory (2025–2031), held in the Definitory Hall of the General Curia at the Friary of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome.
In the presence of the Minister General Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI (center) and the other members of the General Definitory, Friar David took the oath of fidelity, placing his hands on the Holy Gospel in accordance with the Order’s practice for assuming office.
Friar David’s appointment had been approved earlier, during the seventh session of the General Definitory, held March 23-27, 2026, also at the Friary of the Twelve Holy Apostles in Rome. During that session, the Definitory accepted the resignation of Friar Joseph WOOD from the office of Assistant General for the CFF. Friar Joseph had submitted his resignation on February 17, 2026, and the CFF Federation supported his request. At the same time, the General Definitory elected Friar David as the new Assistant General, and set June 1, 2026, as the beginning of his term.
Friar David thus succeeds Friar Joseph WOOD, a religious of the Province of St. Bonaventure in the USA (SB). Friar Joseph continued his service through May 31, 2026, contributing in particular to the Provincial Chapters of the Provinces in the United States before returning to the obedience of his home Province.
Friar David was born on April 18, 1959, in Buffalo, New York, USA. He entered the novitiate on August 14, 1977. He professed his simple vows on August 15, 1978, his solemn vows on August 2, 1983, and was ordained to the priesthood on September 7, 1987.
Throughout his religious life, he has held various positions of leadership and fraternal service. From 2018 to 2026, he served as Provincial Delegate of the Provincial Delegation in Australia of the Province of St. Bonaventure in the USA (SB), guiding the life and mission of the friars in Australia.
The Minister General, the General Definitory, and the entire Order offer their best wishes that the new Assistant General for the CFF may have a fruitful ministry. They assure him of their prayers and fraternal support as he carries out the mission entrusted to him for the good of the Federation and the entire fraternity of the Order.
~ Source: General Office of Communications
