The Seraph Newsletter (Fall 2026) The Fall Newsletter is here! In this edition of The Seraph, we meet some of the new friars who have come to serve in our Province of St. Bonaventure; the Minister General sends a special message for the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Francis; there are tons of photos from the festivities surrounding the Feast of St. Francis; we hear from the Vocation Director, the Mission Advancement Team,
St. John was born in Capistrano, Italy in 1385. He was a student of the law at the University of Perugia and was a practicing lawyer for some time in Naples. He was appointed governor of Perugia and during war with a neighboring town was betrayed and imprisoned. After he was released from his imprisonment he entered the Franciscan community in 1416. John traveled throughout Italy, Germany, Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, Poland and Russia preaching penance
Pope John Paul II was born in Wadowice, Poland. His Slavic heritage inspired his effort to promote greater understanding between nations and religions, leading him to make numerous trips abroad. During these trips he spoke out against political oppression and criticized the materialism of the West. Pope St. John Paul II also issues several apologies to religious groups who had been wronged by the Roman Catholic Church in the past, including Jews and Muslims. He
Today, October 3rd, marks the Transitus of Saint Francis. In Latin, transitus means “crossing over,” and today we celebrate Francis’ crossing over from life on earth to life in Heaven with God. Tomorrow, October 4th is Saint Francis’ feast day. We are reminded of his great faith, his humble heart, and the great example he set for Franciscans for centuries to come. He began the Franciscan friars, and it is because of this we have
On Monday, August 24, 2026, + Br. Martin SCHMITZ was embraced by Sister Death at the Little Sisters of the Poor – St. Joseph Home for the Elderly in Palatine, IL, aged 96, and having been a Franciscan Religious Brother for over 75 years. His loss is felt throughout the Province of St. Bonaventure and beyond; he was the last of the pioneers of Marytown and among its first vocations in 1948. He lived his
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.
