Pax et bonum—Peace and all good! This Franciscan motto is how St. Francis of Assisi greeted people 800 years ago, and now it is also our sincere wish for you at this very moment, especially as we, together, deal with growing concerns of the coronavirus.
During the last few weeks, many church leaders – both in the United States and around the world – announced the suspension of all public Masses, due to an abundance of caution and growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19. This suspension will continue until further notice from our local dioceses.
For more than 800 years, Franciscan friars have celebrated this great sacrament of Christ’s self-giving love, holding the needs of the good people with whom we work and minister close to our hearts, just as we do every morning and evening when we gather as a fraternity for prayer. As Pope Francis made lovingly clear, there is a hunger in today’s world for the values of St. Francis of Assisi.
People everywhere respond to the clarity of St. Francis’ message; to his courage as a peacemaker; to the depth of his compassion for all people and all of Creation; and to his special concern for the poor and marginalized – all expressions of his profound love for Christ.
Despite this tumultuous time, know that we continue to welcome all those interested in discerning a vocation with the Franciscan friars.
We want to reassure you that we are working to help discerners respond to the Lord’s call in the safest and healthiest manner possible. Just contact us to set up a Zoom session! Through prayer, sensible precautions, and communal efforts, we will overcome this cross.
Let us come together as we reflect on St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer before the crucifix…
Most high, glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart,
and give me, Lord
a correct faith,
a certain hope,
a perfect charity,
sense and knowledge,
so that I might carry out Your holy and true command.
Amen.
Br. Basil Valente, OFM
Director of Vocation Ministry, Holy Name Province
Mr. Jorge Martins
Vocation Office Administrator, Holy Name Province