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
Saint Margaret of Cortona Recognized May 16th St. Margaret of Cortona was born in 1247 in Laviano, Italy, a small farming village. Her mother died when Margaret was only seven years old, and her father remarried. Her stepmother was not kind to Margaret, which resulted in her moving away from home with her lover Arsenio. … Read more
The Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima On May 13th, 1917, a young ten-year-old named Lucia dos Santos and her two cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto (who are now both canonized saints) saw a vision of a woman surrounded by light who told the children she was the Lady of the Rosary. After that … Read more
Read this Special Edition of The Seraph which covers the recent Provincial Chapter (Part One) held during the week of April 27 – May 1, 2026, at the National Shrine of St. Maximilian at Marytown, Libertyville IL.
The Spring Newsletter is Here! 🌻
In this issue, we hear exciting updates from the Vocation Office; we remember our dearly departed + Fr Edmond DeForges; the Mission Advancement Office shares how the generous contributions of our benefactors have greatly supported the Friars; and you’ll also enjoy updates from our Apostolates (ministries) across the Midwest including photos from how the Easter Triduum was celebrated around the Province. Lastly, do not forget to add our upcoming events to your calendars!
Francis prays in front of the cross at the Church of Saint Damian. Francis meets a leper. The first scene we come to within the tavola displays Francis’ discovery of his true vocation. This was not an easy process for Saint Francis. His ambition and family influence encouraged him to a life of knighthood. He … Read more
Saint Francis has attracted attention for the eight centuries following his death. He was “common but rare,” a combination that inspires sisters, brothers, priests and laypeople to this day. Focusing on a life of humble simplicity, like Saint Francis of Assisi did, you to become one with humanity while simultaneously growing an extraordinary relationship with … 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.
