Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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Ciao from Rome!

For the month of June, a Conventual Friar from our province, Fr. Alejandro Lopez, has been hearing confessions for the many pilgrims coming to the Vatican for the Jubilee Year.

“I am comforted in doing the needed ministry of hearing confessions at St. Peter’s,” Fr. Alejandro said. “Especially needed are priests to hear confessions in Spanish.”

While in Rome, Fr. Alejandro celebrated Mass on the Feast of Pentecost (see photos) with our new Chicago Pope, Leo XIV.

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Did you know that the Conventual Franciscan Friars have been the official, or ‘ordinary,’ confessors in St. Peter’s Basilica for over 250 years? In 1774, Pope Clement XIV (OFM Conv.) issued his Motu Proprio, ‘Miserator Dominus,’ which established the Conventual Franciscans as the Vatican Penitentiaries in perpetuity.

The friars reside in community within Vatican City and undertake intense training to be able to effectively administer the Sacrament of Penance to the countless visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica who may bring unique and complex situations before God’s mercy.

Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

6107 North Kenmore Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60660

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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.