Interprovincial Retreat in January to Feature Franciscan Scholarship

Jocelyn Thomas Friar News

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The 2015 interprovincial retreat has been announced. The event — which features a presentation by a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph who specializes in the teachings of John Duns Scotus — will be held from Jan. 5 to 9 at Holy Cross Retreat Center, less than an hour from El Paso, Texas. The gathering, …

Reconfiguration Process Begins as Councils Meet in Wisconsin

Maria Hayes In the Headlines

RACINE, Wis. — More than 60 friars representing the seven U.S. OFM provinces gathered at the Siena Retreat Center earlier this month to continue the national conversation regarding the state of Franciscan life in America. The event followed a series of gatherings and chapters held from March to June, during which all seven provinces voted to approve a proposal that …

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 …

Interprovincial Retreat to Focus on Aging

Jocelyn Thomas Friar News

WINTER PARK, Fla. — All friars are invited to a “historic” gathering this fall about aging. The retreat, titled “Seasonal Friar Retreat: A Practical and Spiritual Approach Toward a Hopeful Future,” will be offered from Nov. 3 to 7 at San Pedro Retreat Center, 15 miles from the Orlando airport. This gathering is the “first interfamilial retreat for all First …

From the Provincial Minister’s Desk

John O'Connor, OFM In the Headlines

The reflection below is one in a series written by Provincial Minister John O’Connor, OFM, about his observations and experiences as leader of Holy Name Province. The previous installment appeared in the Feb. 5 issue.  Dear brothers and partners-in-ministry, Last month, I spent two days meeting with the six other U.S. provincials at the provincial offices of Immaculate Conception Province on Thompson Street in …

Second National Gathering of Friars in Hispanic Ministry Announced

Maria Hayes Friar News

BURLINGTON, Wis. — Franciscan friars from the seven U.S. provinces are invited to the second national gathering of OFM friars in Hispanic ministry. This year’s “Juntos Como Hermanos — Together as Brothers” gathering will take place at the Franciscan Interprovincial Novitiate from Oct. 6 to 8. Friars involved in Hispanic ministry will have the opportunity to share their experience, strength …

Future Collaboration Discussed at February U.S. Provincials Meeting

Maria Hayes Friar News

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 the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Lithuania and Malta. To prepare for upcoming Provincial Chapters, the American provincials of the English-speaking Conference met from Feb. 13 to 14 in New York City to discuss …