Although the pandemic forced it to suspend all programs and close its doors for several months to thousands of visitors, 2020, despite all its abnormalities and enormous challenges, has been a positive year for St. Francis Springs Prayer Center – the interfaith retreat facility established 15 years ago by Louis Canino, on 140 acres of forest preserve.
‘Let’s Talk About Racism’: A New Educational Ministry
After reading about the killing on May 25 of George Floyd, Paul O’Keeffe felt compelled to take action. As he spoke with a black friend about racism and the Black Lives Matter protests, Paul asked, “What do you expect me to do as your friend?”
Reflecting on Lessons Learned During Year of Pandemic and Social Consciousness
Life, not just in the United States, but throughout the world, was disrupted in 2020 by a new and deadly human pathogen. Ten friars share their thoughts on lessons learned personally and as a society in this year of concern for health, political upheaval, and social consciousness.
For Retiree Neil O’Connell, Firetrucks, Friars – and a “Bing” on Head – Began Five Decades of Education Ministry
Although fighting fires sounded intriguing, as it might for most children, ironically it was a firehouse that turned out to be the training ground and introduction to Franciscan values long before Holy Name Province and religious vocation became a blip on the radar for Neil O’Connell.
Franciscan Influences: Connecting with Shepherds Who Guide
Staff member of Raleigh parish – which friars maintained for 33+ years — describes how friars educate, inspire and enlighten and entertain
Franciscan Vocation Ministry Invites Discerners to Advent Events
As we light the first candle of the Advent wreath, may the hope of the season – especially during this global pandemic – fill our hearts, minds, and homes as we prepare the way of the Lord. The Franciscan Vocation Ministry of Holy Name Province invites you to celebrate Advent with the Church of St. Francis of Assisi on 31st …
Acclimating to New Ministry Assignments
Now that they have settled into their new ministerial assignments at friaries, parishes, and other Province ministry locations in southern and northeastern states, a group of friars shared their thoughts and reflections on the transition and adjustment to their new roles, responsibilities, challenges, and environments.
Friar News Briefs
Updates about John Aherne, Michael Carnevale, Ross Chamberland, Henry Fulmer, Thomas Hartle, Dan Horan, Edgardo Jara, Stephen Kluge, Michael Reyes, Patrick Tuttle, Jay Woods and others

ESC Meeting, General Chapter Plans and Other News of the Order
News from around Order of Friars Minor this month includes updates about the English-speaking Conference, the multicultural novitiate in Ireland, a friar whose canonization cause is progressing, and the new website of a college in Rome.
Retiree Paul Osborne Looks Back on Ministry in South America, Africa and the U.S.
It was almost certain that Paul Osborne would follow the farming legacy that dated back to his great-grandfather. Every day after school, and on weekends, he labored on the family farm in Churchville, a rural village, population 750, in upstate New York’s Monroe County near Lake Ontario.
Parishioners Bid Farewell to Wilmington Friars with Parades, Virtual Party
When three friars were scheduled to depart from parishes in downtown Wilmington, where the Province had announced earlier this year its intentions to withdraw from these ministry sites, the pandemic upended plans for a farewell Mass and catered banquet for Paul Williams, pastor of St. Joseph’s, and Rodolfo Ramón-Cabrera, pastor, and Paul Breslin, of St. Paul’s. But parishioners got creative when it was time to exchange goodbyes with the trio of friars.
Franciscan Store Launches Christmas Catalog
With pandemic-driven e-commerce retail shopping expected to continue through the holiday season, the online Franciscan Store has launched a Christmas catalog that offers an extensive assortment of gifts and stocking-stuffers. Its products range from rosary beads, medals, bracelets, nativities, and other religious articles handcrafted in Assisi, Italy, to books, religious cards and other spiritual resources written and designed by Franciscan friars and nuns