At its August 2026 National Assembly in Phoenix, Ariz., the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM), the pontifically recognized national representative organization serving leaders of men’s religious congregations, monastic communities, and religious institutes in the United States, Our Lady of the Angels Province Minister Provincial Michael Heine, OFM Conv., was elected president-elect. Friar Michael is currently CMS Secretary-Treasurer, and he chais both the Finance Committee and the Formation and Vocation Committee. He will assume office on July 22, 2027
“It is an honor to be elected to serve the conference in this important position,” Friar Michael said. “I am particularly proud to be the second Conventual Franciscan elected president, following in the footsteps of Friar Canice Connors, OFM Conv., who served as CMSM President from 2001 to 2004.”
The Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, joined the conference, greeting attendees and presenting a personal letter from Pope Leo XIV. In his letter, the Holy Father spoke of community life as a place of sanctification and a source of inspiration: “I trust that these days of reflection, dialogue and prayer will allow you to discern ways to deepen the fraternal communion both within and among your Institutes, and in this way enable you to continue offering a united, joyful and authentic witness to Christ in the various communities and apostolates where you serve.”
CMSM, through the leadership of the religious institutes, monastic communities, and societies of apostolic life, addresses the life and concerns of the members of the institutes and societies in the United States, and the evangelizing mission of the institutes, monasteries, and societies in the context of church and culture in this country.
