Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

February 2, 2025

Today is the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. Celebrated on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (February 2), this day calls all the members of the Church to give thanks and pray for the deepening of this vocation and for many more to hear the call to the Consecrated Life.

As consecrated Religious, Franciscan friars profess vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Together, these vows are known as the Evangelical Counsels because they were lived by Jesus in the Gospels. Through earnestly living these vows, we friars mold ourselves in the example of Christ which was the deepest wish of St. Francis for himself and his brothers.

REFLECTION:

The Feast of the Presentation celebrates the offering of the infant Jesus to God in the temple. Under Mosaic law, first-born sons belong to the Lord in acknowledgement of when God sparred the firstborn Israelite males during the time of the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 13:2-16). There is a deep parallel with the total and lifelong offering those in the Consecrated Life make to God.

The Feast of the Presentation is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in Consecrated Life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.

Today, we pray for those consecrated to God by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience that they have the grace to persevere in their commitment to the Lord and the support of the Church as they continue their growth in holiness. May they continue to be inspired by the light of Christ and respond generously to God’s gift of their vocation.

Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

6107 North Kenmore Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60660

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Safeguarding Statement

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.