Father Chan elected provincial vicar

Father Ramiro Sanchez Chan, CS (head bowed), was elected provincial vicar by his religious confreres for the Province of St. John the Baptist, colloquially known as the Chicago province of the Scalabrinians. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

by Joe Bollig
joe.bollig@theleaven.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Scalabrinians have chosen the director of Hispanic ministry here in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas for an important role in the administration of a province.

Father Ramiro Sanchez Chan, CS, was elected provincial vicar by his religious confreres for the Province of St. John the Baptist, colloquially known as the Chicago province. This province includes Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.

The election took place in December 2023, and he will serve until the next election in December 2026. Also elected were a new provincial superior, province counsel and members of the provincial council. By virtue of his office, Father Ramiro is part of the provincial council.

Father Ramiro Sanchez Chan, CS, left, was elected provincial vicar by his religious confreres for the Province of St. John the Baptist. This province includes Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER

The Scalabrinians, founded in 1887 in Italy, is an international community of religious serving migrants and refugees of different cultures, religions and ethnicities in 35 countries and on five continents.

“It doesn’t affect, so far, the work I have in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas,” said Father Ramiro. “It is just that I was elected provincial vicar, that means I am part of the provincial council for the administration of our province.”

As provincial vicar, Father Ramiro will serve on the provincial council and represent the provincial superior when he is unable to attend meetings.

In short, said Father Ramiro simply, “It only means I have to attend more meetings!”