Stephanie Held

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.

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.

Brother Donnie shares this thoughts on the inspiration we can take from the saints, the Franciscan habit, and what it means to be a Conventual Franciscan. Watch the videos here!

As we joyfully commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, the beloved prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, the Mission Advancement team is proud to launch the Canticle of Creatures Society—a new monthly giving society that invites you to walk more closely with us in faith, service, and fraternity.

Single, Catholic men 18-40 are invited to experience how we Conventual friars live out our 800-year tradition. Join us September 26-28 (Friday night through Sunday afternoon). Register today!

This past Spring, the entire roof of St. Patrick’s Church, our apostolate in Minonk, Illinois, was replaced. This moved the restoration project into its final stage which has been several years in the making. Check out photos of the on-going renovations of the ceiling!

Check out the latest issue of The Seraph, the newsletter of Saint Bonaventure Province.

In this issue, you’ll meet our student friars — five novices were invested with the Franciscan habit and nine postulants began their formation journey! Also, enjoy photos from Corpus Christi processions around the province and read updates from our Apostolates (ministries) across the Midwest.

Fr. Thomas Fetz reflections on his visit to Vietnam to study the language. One thing that he has found consistently during his trips to other countries is that there is so much more to learn than the language. Here are some things he learned on his journey…

Since the Basilica began a monthly Spanish Mass for our school families, attendance has grown to over 100 people! The committee who makes this Mass possible gathered for a celebration in the Parish Center.

The restructuring of the Diocese of Peoria has sparked innovative thinking. St. John the Baptist Church in Lostant, IL has now become an Oratory, a place set aside by ecclesiastical authority for prayer and the celebration of Mass. The building is open daily for individual and small group prayer with a lounge, conference room, and spaces for private prayer.