Father Roger Lopez, OFM Named Provincial Council Elect for Our Lady of Guadalupe Province of the Franciscan Friars

Roger Bacon High School is proud to announce that Father Roger Lopez, OFM has been named to the provincial administration of the new Our Lady of Guadalupe Province of the Franciscan Friars.

On July 5th, the General Definitory of the Order of Friars Minor elected nine Friars who will serve in the provincial administration for the new Our Lady of Guadalupe Province. This decision comes following the months-long process of discernment and discussion undertaken by the six U.S. provinces.

In October 2023 our province (the Province of Saint John the Baptist), along with five other Franciscan provinces in the United States, will merge to form one province – Our Lady of Guadalupe Province. This new province will be headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Roger Bacon High School will remain a sponsored ministry of the new Our Lady of Guadalupe Province.

“Two of Roger Bacon Franciscan’s values are humility and service, found in the life of our Holy Father, Saint Francis of Assisi. Being selected for this role is humbling for my brothers trust me to serve them in the fine and deep elements of our vowed Gospel life,” says Father Roger. “I ask all to pray for me and the Friars that we may be open to the Holy Spirit continually at work within us.”

“Father Roger has been an integral part of the culture at Roger Bacon for the past eight years,” according to President Steve Schad. “While it is quite an honor to be named a Provincial Council Elect of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, we will miss his presence at Roger Bacon on a daily basis. He has been an inspiration to our entire school community, and I am sure the new province will benefit from his leadership, counsel and wonderful outlook on life. We thank him for all he has done for our school community and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

As Father Roger transitions to his new position, he will remain an integral part of the Roger Bacon community. Until his anticipated departure in October, he will remain the chaplain for the football team and continue assisting Julie Murray, Minister of Spartan Leader, with any needs. He will also still celebrate mass at Roger Bacon and substitute teach Theology classes as needed.