Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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Stephanie Held

The Seraph Newsletter (Fall 2025)

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Check out the latest newsletter! In this issue, we highlight the Solemn Professions of two of our friars and enjoy snapshots from Transitus celebrations around St. Bonaventure Province. You’ll also enjoy updates from our Apostolates (ministries) across the Midwest including photos from our annual Pet Blessings.

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

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On October 4th, the Conventual Franciscan Friars celebrate the Feast of our Seraphic Father, Saint Francis of Assisi. May our Seraphic Father, St. Francis, intercede for us all, and inspire us to witness to the radical love and mercy of Christ in today’s world.

Introducing Our Newest Holy Cards

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Just in time for ‘Franciscan Month,’ the Vocation Office has released two new holy cards. Adding to our collection of holy cards of Franciscan saints, the Vocation Office has created two brand new additions, Saint Clare of Assisi and Blesseds Michał and Zbigniew.

Making October Franciscan Month

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This October, we invite you to join us in celebrating something new: Franciscan Month.
Inspired by the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of Creation, Franciscan Month is a time to reflect on our shared kinship with all of God’s creation, to live the Gospel more deeply, and to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis.

Provincial Assembly & Solemn Professions

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In preparation for the upcoming Provincial Chapter, friars assembled to discuss how they might approach the future with a sense of renewal, security, and in collaboration with the other Provinces of North America. The Assembly also coincided with the Solemn Profession of two friars. In the presence of the friars of the province and beyond, together with family, friends, and other guests, friars Tarcisius Bucca and Anthony Ruffolo made their Solemn Profession of Vows.

Welcoming Andrew to the Postulant Class

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On August 31, the ninth and final postulant for the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF – USA, Canada, UK/Ireland, Australia), was officially welcomed into the class of 2025-26. Hailing from North West London and entering the Friars of the Provincial Custody of Blessed Agnellus of Pisa, Andrew Chamiec is unique in the fact he comes to us having already been ordained a priest in the UK. Please pray for Andrew as he joins the other postulants for the first year of formation.

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.