As many of you may be aware, on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saturday August 15, The National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe at Marytown celebrated the unveiling of a brand-new bronze statue at the front entrance of the Shrine. Sculpted in Poland and cast in the Ukraine, the statue … Read more
August is Make a Will Month! “Possessions are not ours, but are lent by God.” – St. Francis of Assisi “Why are the life insurance policies in the boys’ school folder???” – Jennifer Georgis I aspire to reach St. Francis’ level of spiritual detachment — the deep trust that everything we have is simply on loan from God, … Read more
The Seraph Newsletter (Summer 2026) The Summer Newsletter is Here! In this issue, we highlight the men in formation with our Province of St. Bonaventure; the Vocation Office tells us what they have been busy with; the Mission Advancement Office tell us a little about ‘National Make-A-Will Day;’ and you’ll also enjoy updates from our … Read more
The name of the holiday is based on a small chapel that holds immense significance for the Order of Conventual Franciscan Friars. The Chapel of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi is the birthplace of the Order of the Friars Minor and the Order of St. Clare. This Chapel is also the location of … Read more
June 12, 2026, marks the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. Today we venerate the Sacred Heart of Jesus to grow closer to his Divine presence. Every year, this solemnity takes place on the Friday after the Corpus Christi Octave. But what is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart? We’ve answered frequently asked questions below to … Read more
The dream of St. Francis. Francis and Bernardo of Quintavalle in the Church of Saint Nicholas. Continuation of the meeting in the Church of Damian This portion of the Tavola depicts two separate scenes. The top portion show Francis asleep in his bed dreaming of his meeting with Christ. In this dream Francis is asked … Read more
What is the Holy Trinity? The Sunday after Pentecost we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the central mystery of the Catholic faith. We meditate on the fact that God is one in three Divine Persons: the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each one works within our lives in different but cohesive … Read more
Who is Friar Carlos Alberto Trovarelli? Carlos Alberto Trovarelli was born on June 21, 1962, in Cinco Saltos, Rio Negro, Argentina. He was baptized in June of 1962 and was confirmed ten years later in November of 1972. He entered Postulancy for the Conventual Franciscans’ Province of St. Anthony (Argentina & Uruguay) in 1984 in … Read more
Francis renounces his worldly goods and submits to the authority of the Bishop of Assisi By the example of Christ Francis decided in turning fully to the Church, that he needed to imitate Christ as closely as possible. To do this he returned his clothing to his father and kneeling with overwhelming humility in front … Read more
When is Pentecost? Pentecost is May 24, 2026 The word Pentecost comes from the Greek word meaning “fiftieth” since every year Pentecost is held fifty days after the celebration of Easter. Since Easter’s timing is according to the lunar calendar, rather than our 365-day calendar, both religious holidays fall at a different time every year. … Read more
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.
