Your Vocation Starts Today!

When I talk to those thinking about becoming a Franciscan, I sometimes hear them express a thought similar to, ‘I’m not ready yet, in a few more years I will begin my vocation.’ To that idea, I wish to respond: ‘You do not have to wait to start your vocation. Your vocation can start today!’ …

Marytown

Recently, I visited our Conventual Franciscan Friar ministry at Marytown in Libertyville, IL. Marytown promotes our Franciscan Marian Spirituality, and is the National Shrine of Saint Maximillian Kolbe OFM Conv., who was a martyred in Auschwitz during World War II. St. Francis had a special devotion to Mary, Mother of God, and made Her the…

Liturgy of the Hours

Each day Franciscan Friars gather in a community to pray the “Liturgy of the Hours” in addition to the daily celebration of the Eucharist, and our personal private prayer time. The Liturgy of the Hours is an official prayer of the Church. It consists of songs, recitation of psalms (with alternating sides of the chapel…

Friars host 5,000-7,000 Pilgrims

I recently had the Joy and Privilege to preach a 9-day novena to Our Lady of Consolation, which finished with an outdoor Mass with 5,000 – 7,000 worshipers on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Every year the Friars of Our Lady of Consolation Province, host the novena and outdoor Mass at our Basilica…

Why not Choose a FRANCISCAN University?

Today’s world offers so many choices, how can one possibly know what major to study in college? Life is a journey. Each step on that journey is a choice; what do I want to do? Where do I want to Go?  Also for many, we begin on that path with many influences; our parents, friends,…

Initial Formation Series: Postulancy

Most discerners want to know what the first few years in the order look like. In this post and following posts, I will try to describe the first years in the order. These first years are often referred to as “Initial Formation” Principle and Purpose of Initial Formation: Since our entire life is a process…