Pope to Canonize Junipero Serra During Fall Visit to U.S.

Maria Hayes Franciscan World

The following is a compilation of recent news from the website of the English-speaking Conference of the Order of Friars Minor, composed of provinces from the United States, England, Ireland, Lithuania and Malta. When Pope Francis announced his plans to canonize Blessed Junipero Serra this September, even the vice postulator for Junipero’s sainthood cause was surprised. Fr. John Vaughn, OFM, …

Novices Receive Habits at Interprovincial Novitiate

Maria Hayes Franciscan World

The following is a complication of recent news from the website of the English-speaking Conference of the Order of Friars Minor, composed of provinces from the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Lithuania and Malta. On Sunday, Dec. 14, 11 novices received their habits of probation at the Franciscan Interprovincial Novitiate in Burlington, Wis. Those completing the rite of investiture included …

ESC Provincials Discuss Reconfiguration, General Chapter at Fall Meeting

Maria Hayes Franciscan World

The following is a compilation of recent news from the website and Facebook page of the English-speaking Conference of the Order of Friars Minor, composed of provinces from the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Lithuania and Malta. COCHRANE, Alberta, Canada — Earlier this month, the provincial ministers of the English-speaking Conference gathered at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre for their …

General Curia’s October Update

Maria Hayes Franciscan World

ROME — Only following in the footprints of Jesus Christ can make us friars and minors. There is no other way. This is the message sent by the General Definitory to the Order about the feast of St. Francis. The letter, signed by General Minister Fr. Michael Perry and his eight General Councilors, calls the friars back to the roots …

Communicators of English-speaking Provinces Meet in Rome

Jocelyn Thomas Franciscan World

ROME — Discussions about the General Chapter and visits to the OFM Curia and the Vatican Radio headquarters were among the agenda items for the ESC communicators when they gathered last month for their annual meeting. The representatives of English-speaking Conference provinces met at the Convento San Francesco, a friary run by Immaculate Conception Province, from Sept. 7 to 11. …

General Minister Appoints John O’Connor to Position in Order

Maria Hayes Friar News

ROME — Former Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, has been named by General Minister Fr. Michael Perry, OFM, and the General Definitorium as the executive assistant to the Minister General for development and fundraising for the Order of Friars Minor. He will be responsible for coordinating the Order’s fundraising and financial development efforts, working closely with the General Curia. “I …

Franciscan Friars Call on Obama to Address Border Crisis Compassionately

Maria Hayes In the Headlines

The Franciscan friars of the United States have called on President Barack Obama to address the growing humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexican border. In an Aug. 15 letter, the provincial ministers of the seven OFM provinces — including Kevin Mullen, OFM — asked the president to increase direct leadership to meet the immediate needs of the thousands of unaccompanied child …

Abraham Joseph Professes Simple Vows in Wisconsin

Maria Hayes In the Headlines

BURLINGTON, Wis. — This weekend, Abraham Joseph, OFM, professed his first vows as a Franciscan alongside two of his brothers in the novitiate chapel at St. Francis Friary. Provincial Vicar Lawrence Hayes, OFM, received Abraham’s vows on Aug. 2, the feast of Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula. During the ceremony, each novice resolved to live in chastity …

ESC Update: International JPIC Council Meets in Indonesia

Maria Hayes Franciscan World

The following is a compilation of this month’s news from the website and Facebook page of the English-speaking Conference of the Order of Friars Minor, composed of provinces from Canada, England, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta and the United States. The OFM International Council for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation held its biannual meeting last month in Jakarta, Indonesia. Joseph Rozansky, OFM, director of the …

Provinces Choose Leaders

Jocelyn Thomas Franciscan World

Over the last two months, new leaders were elected at many of the provinces of the English-speaking Conference. One — Our Lady of Guadalupe — chose a new provincial minister. Fr. Jack Clark Robinson, OFM, was elected to lead the Southwest-based province, which held its chapter from June 1 to 6 in Mesilla Park, N.M. The weeklong gathering was presided over by …

ESC Update: Final U.S. Province Votes on Reconfiguration Proposal

Maria Hayes Franciscan World

The following is a compilation of this month’s news from the website and Facebook page of the English-speaking Conference of the Order of Friars Minor, composed of provinces from Canada, England, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta and the United States. All seven U.S. OFM provinces have agreed to join the national conversation regarding the reconfiguration of the American provinces. Throughout June, five provinces — including …

U.S. Provinces Vote to Take Part in Collaboration

Maria Hayes Franciscan World

The following is a compilation of this month’s news from the website and Facebook page of the English-speaking Conference of the Order of Friars Minor, composed of provinces from Canada, England, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta and the United States. St. Barbara Province in California was the first province to vote to be part of the national conversation regarding the reconfiguration of the American provinces. Of …