On July 5, friars gathered from around the United States at St. Bonaventure Friary to officially welcome the new class of Postulants. The ‘Rite of Beginning Fraternity’ was held within the context of Evening Prayer (Vespers) with Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. presiding. This year’s cohort is comprised of nine men from around the United States and beyond – including three from our Province!
This July, five men will be invested with the Franciscan habit and begin novitiate, the second stage of formation, in California. We interviewed each of the incoming novices and asked them to share their experience over the last year of postulancy. Watch the videos here!
Having recently participated in the 203rd Ordinary General Chapter of our Order in Rome, Provincial Fr. Paul Joseph
Langevin shares his thoughts on the gathering which brought together so many of the brothers from around the world. The General Chapter also included an audience with Pope Leo XIV and a trip to Assisi.
Br. Bernard was featured in the May 2025 edition of the Messenger of Saint Anthony magazine! In the article “Vocations Promotions, Combining the Old and the New,” Br. Bernard talks about his work as Vocations Director for St. Bonaventure Province and shares how the office’s collection relics continues drawn people’s interest.
The Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Leo XIV was a moving and intimate celebration at the Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee, WI. Afterward, his longtime friend and fellow Augustinian, Bishop Dan Turley, OSA, shared heartfelt stories from their mission work in Peru and offering a beautiful glimpse into Pope Leo’s early years — full of deep compassion and enduring friendships.
For the first time in living memory, St. Mary’s Parish in Algoma, WI held a Eucharistic Procession for the Feast of Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
Br. Augustine and Fr. Boniface are busy at work making habits for the incoming novices. Five new novices from around the country will be invested with the habit on July 12 at the Conventual Franciscan Novitiate in California!
Read the transcription of Br. Bernard Mary’s Ferverino on the ‘Canticle of Creatures’ by St. Francis of Assisi. This short speech was originally given at the Provincial Retreat in January during evening prayer.
Did you know that the Conventual Franciscan Friars have been the official, or ‘ordinary,’ confessors in St. Peter’s Basilica for over 250 years? For the month of June, Fr. Alejandro Lopez, OFM Conv., has been hearing confessions for the many pilgrims coming to the Vatican for the Jubilee Year.
Earlier this year, Br. David Wagner, OFM Conv. passed into eternal rest. His Franciscan Wake and Mass of Christian Burial were held in late March in the Marytown Chapel. Br. David served the Order faithfully for many years working as a teacher, administrator, formator, and manager of the giftshop at Marytown. May he rest in peace.
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.
