During Holy Week, you probably participated in the Stations of the Cross or saw others from your community doing so. But what exactly are the Stations of the Cross? This prayerful tradition not only allows us to get a better glimpse of Jesus’ passion but allows us to enter an interactive prayer that brings us closer to God. By learning the importance of each station and how best to practice Stations of the Cross you
Odds are, in a few weeks your neighborhood parish is going to be laying colorful plastic eggs filled with sweet treats in a nearby field. Children with woven baskets will line up in hopes of collecting more eggs, and in turn candy, than their eager friends. It’s a lovely holiday celebrating the conclusion of Lent, the resurrection of Christ, and the coming of spring. But what do bunnies, eggs, and baskets have to do with
Postulant Jake Polinski shares his experience in postulancy This postulancy year has served as a great introduction to the Franciscan way of life, and has thus far created a solid foundation for me to further explore discernment of religious life. We live a balanced lifestyle in our formation house that involves a combination of active ministry, prayer, fraternal time, and formation (which includes one-on-ones, in-house classes, or special events). All four of these areas have
March 25 marks the feast of the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Here are some important facts and thoughts to consider about this Annunciation. 1. Understanding the Annunciation The annunciation commemorates the moment the angel Gabriel announced God’s plan for Mary. She would be the mother of God’s son, Jesus Christ. This moment marks God’s decision to become man to save us from original sin, the divine angel entering the physical realm to impart divine knowledge
Father Benedict La Volpe, a Franciscan all the way from Australia, got to see the sacred bones of Saint Francis of Assisi. These relics are on display for the first time since 1978 to honor the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis’ death. La Volpe, along with other friars and pilgrims, was blessed with the opportunity to encounter these sacred remains. “They’ve encountered the spirit of Francis, the person of Francis, who speaks to them today,
After traveling to Rome in January to participate in the consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV, and despite the escalating anti-government protests in Iran, 62 year old Conventual Franciscan Cardinal Dominique Mathieu, the Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan and the only priest of his Archdiocese, was adamant to return to the 2,000 Roman Catholics, mostly non-Iranians, who reside there. As the conflict drastically worsened with US/Israeli bombings and the death of the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which
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.
