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.
We were happy to welcome Friar Boniface Nzioki Muia to the USA from Kenya. He will be in residence at Marytown, the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe, learning the art of habit making under the tutelage of the maestro himself, Br. Augustine. Please pray for our brother as he gets settled and begins his time in our Province.
This on-going series highlights special donors whose generosity has helped our ministries flourish. Mark and Jenny Hocking, longtime friends of our Franciscan family, have made an extraordinary impact through their recent gift. This year, Mark submitted paperwork to secure a matching gift from his employer—doubling the impact of their donation!
The world is abuzz with the recent election of Pope Leo XIV. Most are focused on the significance of the first Pope from the USA, but another somewhat overshadowed milestone is the fact that Pope Leo XIV is also the first pontiff to be elected from the Augustinian Order; so, what does this mean? A reflection by Br. Bernard Mary Fonkalsrud OFM Conv.
These first few months of 2025 are already off to a busy start for the Vocations Office. The ‘SEEK Conference’ in Salt Lake City, UT, launched an exciting and optimistic new year of vocation promotion. Since then, Br. Bernard Mary has had many more invitations and opportunities to share our life as Franciscans and engage with young people earnestly discerning God’s call.
Check out the latest issue of The Seraph, the newsletter of Saint Bonaventure Province, for news and notables from the Friars. This issue includes photos from Holy Week and Easter Sunday around the Province. You can also enjoy updates from our ministries (Apostolates) across the Midwest. Lastly, don’t miss out on upcoming events you might want to add to your calendar.
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.
