Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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Welcoming the 2025-26 Postulant Class

Rite of Beginning Fraternity

On July 5, friars gathered from around the United States at St. Bonaventure Friary (the House of Studies) to officially welcome the new class of Postulants. The ‘Rite of Beginning Fraternity’ was held within the context of Evening Prayer (Vespers) with Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv., the Minister Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of the Angels, presiding. This year’s cohort is comprised of nine men from around the United States and beyond – including Joshua, Craig, and Jacob from our Province!

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The excitement and significance of the occasion was palpable. Fr. Michael concluded his address saying, “In a few moments you will be receiving the San Damiano cross. St. Francis embraced the cross [as] his personal emblem symbolizing repentance and conversion. As you put on this cross tonight and every day may you be committed to conversion, humility, reform, simplicity and your own commitment to living the Gospel way of life.”

Representatives from the four provinces came forward to invest each of the respective Postulants with the San Damiano Crucifix. Then all friars were invited to come forward to congratulate the Postulants. A special blessing was also prayed over the two formators, Friars Paul Mary Schneider and Ian Bremar.

Then On July 16, the local community officially welcomed another man into the Postulancy Program for the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. The newest Postulant is from the Provincial Delegation of Canada (OLA Province) and was delayed due to the visa process. He is settling in well with his classmates and is excited to begin this deeper period of discernment.

Finally, we prayerfully await one last Postulant to join us from the UK who is also delayed due to the visa process.

Please keep these nine Postulants in your prayers as they undertake this year of formation and growth in their understanding and appreciation for the Franciscan life.

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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.