The Conventual Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Consolation at Mount St. Francis in southern Indiana elected a new “Definitory,” a group of six friars who help the provincial lead the province for a four-year term.
Among the newly elected friars are two men who serve in the Archdiocese of Louisville. Friar Nicholas Wolfla, a canon lawyer, was elected provincial secretary. He also serves on the tribunal of the Archdiocese of Louisville.
Friar John Pozhathuparambil, who was elected to the Definitory, is a campus minister at Bellarmine University and sacramental moderator at Holy Family Church.
The other elected leaders are Friars Martin Day, vicar provincial; Miguel Briseño, Andy Martinez and Mario Serrano. Friar Wayne Hellman, who recently retired after 30 years from St. Louis University, was elected minister provincial.
Conventual Franciscans have served in Kentucky since 1860, according to an announcement from the province. They currently serve in six Archdiocese of Louisville parishes: St. Paul, Incarnation, Holy Family, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Augustine and St. Martin de Porres. Friars also serve as chaplains at the local hospitals and in Hispanic ministry.
