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
As many of you may be aware, on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saturday August 15, The National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe at Marytown celebrated the unveiling of a brand-new bronze statue at the front entrance of the Shrine. Sculpted in Poland and cast in the Ukraine, the statue depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary atop the globe, with St. Maximilian Kolbe kneeling in veneration. Hundreds of people, including
August is Make a Will Month! “Possessions are not ours, but are lent by God.” – St. Francis of Assisi “Why are the life insurance policies in the boys’ school folder???” – Jennifer Georgis I aspire to reach St. Francis’ level of spiritual detachment — the deep trust that everything we have is simply on loan from God, and that true fulfillment comes from our relationship with Him, not our possessions. But if I’m honest, everyday life has other plans.
The Seraph Newsletter (Summer 2026) The Summer Newsletter is Here! In this issue, we highlight the men in formation with our Province of St. Bonaventure; the Vocation Office tells us what they have been busy with; the Mission Advancement Office tell us a little about ‘National Make-A-Will Day;’ and you’ll also enjoy updates from our Apostolates (ministries) across the Midwest including photos from the various events that have occurred over the past four months. Lastly, do
The name of the holiday is based on a small chapel that holds immense significance for the Order of Conventual Franciscan Friars. The Chapel of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi is the birthplace of the Order of the Friars Minor and the Order of St. Clare. This Chapel is also the location of Saint Francis’ passing. This feast day also includes a plenary indulgence that brings pilgrims to the chapel each year and
June 12, 2026, marks the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. Today we venerate the Sacred Heart of Jesus to grow closer to his Divine presence. Every year, this solemnity takes place on the Friday after the Corpus Christi Octave. But what is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart? We’ve answered frequently asked questions below to aid in your meditation on this special feast day. Why do Catholics Venerate the Sacred Heart of Jesus? Every day
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.
