Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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In Memory of Br. David Wagner

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. In recent years, he spent much of his time decorating the Marytown chapel with flowers for the many liturgies. Let us give thanks for all the friars and lay persons who cared for Br. David at the end of his life. May he rest in peace.

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Reflection written by Br. David towards the end of his life:

“I entered religious life in the late 60’s, very influenced by the times and its slogans – “Love Not War,” “Flower Power,” etc. I wanted to be an activist, but I also yearned for the steadiness of consecrated life. I held down two part-time jobs to pay for the tuition of my Catholic high school. I loved dancing, long hair, porkchop sideburns, and bell bottom trousers! Even today, my tastes remain Peter, Paul, and Mary, Judy Collins, Simon and Garfunkel. Many years have passed – teaching school, ministering in parishes, assisting in formation, directing choirs and a lot of cooking! With all of this behind me and as I grow into my own illnesses, I can better appreciate our sick and aging friars, their crosses, their prayers, and their good examples…as I hope mine will be too.”

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.