CAREY—Conventual Franciscan Father John Stowe was elected vicar provincial of the Conventual Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Consolation on March 18. His duties include serving as rector and pastor of the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey.

Conventual Franciscan Father John Stowe

Fr. Stowe, an Ohio native, has ministered for the past 15 years in El Paso, Texas. There he served as pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, before being named in 2002 as chancellor, moderator of the curia and vicar general of the Diocese of El Paso.

“It will be a real blessing to live and work at the shrine,” Fr. Stowe said. “It’s one of the most active pilgrimage destinations in the U.S., with people traveling from all over the world to pray for Our Lady’s intercession. This is a place of tremendous faith and devotion, and I am very happy to serve here.”

Fr. Stowe succeeds Conventual Franciscan Father John Raphael Hadnagy, who served for five years in that office. Fr. Hadnagy continues to live and work at the shrine while ministering as pastor at North Baltimore Holy Family and Deshler Immaculate Conception.