These first few months of 2025 are already off to a busy start for the Vocations Office. The ‘SEEK Conference’ in Salt Lake City, UT, launched an exciting and optimistic new year of vocation promotion. Since then, Br. Bernard Mary has had many more invitations and opportunities to share our life as Franciscans and engage with young people earnestly discerning God’s call.
Enjoy this reflection on the postulancy year from George Harris, postulant from St. Bonaventure Province in the class of 2024-25. “Contributing to an 800-year-old tradition within a 2000-year-old tradition has a magical quality to it. Change occurs gradually here, and God willing, permanently. Whatever may happen as I move forward, I know I am better for this last year…”
The Lord is risen! Alleluia! “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” Alleluia! Read the Easter Message from our Provincial Fr. Paul Joseph Langevin, OFM.
We’re to share these holy cards of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis Anthony Fasani, and St. Maximilian Kolbe! May the intercessions of these great Franciscan Saints strengthen our faith, inspire new vocations, and encourage us to preach the truth with love and courage.
Everyone—friars, staff, volunteers, and donors—has a vital role in advancing the mission of the Order. Whether that be through contributions of financial support, prayer, and purpose-driven service. Hear from our new Director of Mission Advancement about how to shift philanthropy to a collective endeavor that mirrors St. Francis of Assisi’s vision: serving others and inspiring unity within a fraternal society.
On the evening of August 9, 1991, in the village of Pariacoto, Peru, two Conventual Franciscan friars, Fr. Michał Tomaszek and Fr. Zbigniew Strzałkowski, were abducted and killed by the terrorist group the Shining Path. Their story continues to inspire, especially as Christians around the world still suffer persecution. In honor of their witness and to encourage vocations, the Province of St. Bonaventure was presented first-class relics of the martyrs.
The Franciscan Friars Conventual of St. Bonaventure Province are committed to creating safe environments for children and vulnerable adults.
Every friar in active ministry must complete training in Virtus (the National Catholic Risk Retention Group) and any other safe environment compliances required by the dioceses in which they serve.
In addition, St. Bonaventure Province has its own Safe Environment Commission that oversees the implementation and monitoring of the Province’s Policies, Procedures, and Protocols for Ethical Ministry with Minors and Vulnerable Adults.
Any allegation regarding the Franciscan Friars Conventual of this Province receives an immediate response. This includes the Province’s full cooperation with local law enforcement authorities and Ordinaries who have ecclesial jurisdiction over these matters, as well as a duly diligent investigation by a qualified third party in order to substantiate credibility.
