Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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Celebration of Pope St. John Paul II

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

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October 22, 2026

The Transitus and Feast Day of Saint Francis

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

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October 3, 2026

REQUIESCAT IN PACE Br. Martin Schmitz

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

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September 4, 2026

New Statue Unveiled at Marytown!

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

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August 19, 2026

Make-a-Will-Month

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.

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August 7, 2026

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.