All our friars would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy new year. May 2026 be a year of joy and hope. We pray this year draws us closer to God and his mission for us. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
On December 6th, Br. Tim Sucher, OFM, hosted the Southern Gateway Chorus at St. Francis Seraph Catholic Church in Cincinnati for the annual “A Franciscan Christmas” concert, which delivers holiday cheer to the community.
Thank you for joining us through the Franciscan Advent series. We hope these reflections have helped you deepen your sense of God’s presence during this sacred season. We wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! https://bit.ly/49f8yf5
The Nativity scene isn’t just décor—it’s a Franciscan tradition begun by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. Each figure and animal points us back to the miracle of Christ’s humble birth and the hope of Christmas. https://bit.ly/4p7D1l6
Br. John Neuffer, OFM, who is located at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia, invites us to be physically present during the Christmas season and beyond.
Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad!
All of the friars from the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe wish you a very Merry Christmas to you, your family and loved ones. May Our Lord be born in your hearts and fill you with His love and peace.
Here's one final Advent challenge from Br. Tyler Harris, OFM. Merry Christmas!
We mourn the passing of Br. James Vacco, OFM (1954–2025), a Franciscan friar for 48 years and priest for 43. A beloved pastor, teacher, and mentor, he served with warmth, humility, and deep love for God and God’s people. Please keep him in prayer. https://bit.ly/4s9H3MA
Br. John Friebel, OFM spent 54 years building churches, communities, and faith with his hands in the Navajo Nation. “Hands for Christ,” he says—a humble Franciscan witness to rebuilding the Church through service and labor. https://bit.ly/49btHa3
What is the secret of the joy that Our Lady has? Br. Rafeal Ozoude, OFM, who is currently residing in Chicago, IL, talk about how Mary found joy after the annunciation of the Angel Gabriel.
With temps dropping into the single digits, the St. Anthony Center in Cincinnati opened as an extreme cold shelter—providing hot meals, warmth, and safety when being outside can be life-threatening. A powerful example of care in action. https://bit.ly/3KOs5uI
Br. Tyler Grudi, OFM ministers to the community at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia. He reflects on the significance of Advent and the preparation for Christmas, reminding us of Jesus' humble beginnings and the importance of caring for and feeding others.
Why do Franciscan talk so much about poverty? Br. Antonio Luevano, OFM in San Francisco, CA reflects on the connection between poverty and the Eucharist, which reveals to us who God truly is. #advent
What if nonviolence were recognized as central to the Gospel? Inspired by St. Francis, this Franciscan Wisdom reflection explores active nonviolence as a way of life—one that builds peace through dialogue, encounter, and courageous love. #FranciscanWisdom https://bit.ly/453Uofs
Longing for a deeper relationship with God? Spiritual direction offers prayerful accompaniment—not answers, but a companion who listens with you for God’s voice. A simple, powerful way to grow in faith and clarity. #SpiritualDirection https://bit.ly/4j2PdSY
In the second part of Br. Phil McCarter's reflection, he encourages us to find God in places where we would least expect Him to be. We find joy in finding Him in places and in people who we help without expecting anything in return. Has God given you joy in unexpected ways?
Br. Phil McCarter, OFM currently living in Negril, Jamaica helps us reflect on today's Gospel reading. "God usually enters our lives in quiet and unassuming ways." In what ways has God entered your life during the season of Advent?
In a season of rising need, the Winter 2025 Franciscan Challenge calls us to see—and stand with—the poorest among us. Powerful stories show how even small acts of kindness can change lives. Join the movement of hope and compassion. #FranciscanChallenge https://bit.ly/4oNNnGC
Happy Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe!
We chose Our Lady of Guadalupe as our patroness because of her compassion and advocacy for people who are oppressed and suffering. Today, we celebrate our Mother and we ask her to pray for us so that we may continue our mission.
Sacred images help us connect with the divine, from early Christian art to the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe. During a recent talk, the tilma stood out as a living sign reminding us: “Do whatever he tells you.” #OurLadyOfGuadalupe https://bit.ly/46VigQo
UCSB is seeing a surprising surge of students entering the Catholic Church. At St. Mark’s University Parish, young adults are seeking meaning, community & a faith that speaks to their real questions. A powerful movement of grace is taking shape on campus. https://bit.ly/4oKqEes
St. Anthony of Padua's message reminds us to care for one another as Christ cares for us. Is there someone in your life that reminds you of this sermon? Who are you called to accept as Christ as accepted you this Advent?
Amidst this week’s Marian celebration, friar-artist Br. Kevin Hamzik, OFM at St. Bonaventure University reflects on the lessons we can learn from Mary to be more open to beauty and surprising encounters with God along our spiritual journey. #advent
The second week of #Advent centers on Peace, but this year it’s also marked by 2 Marian feasts: the Immaculate Conception & Our Lady of Guadalupe. Br. Jason Damon, OFM, in Charlotte, NC reflects on how Marian spirituality shapes peace in the life of St. Francis and our tradition.
Five friars offer practical guidance for preparing for confession—from examining our conscience to giving thanks after receiving absolution. Their advice reminds us that Penance is a healing encounter with God’s mercy & growth in humility & compassion. https://bit.ly/4iw2mUk
Three discerners joined the friars in San Francisco for a Come and See Weekend, praying together, learning about Franciscan life, and serving nearly 900 meals at St. Anthony Foundation. By the end, many felt deeper clarity and encouragement in their call. https://bit.ly/43QV6w2
Br. Joan Perez, OFM from San Francisco, CA tells us that St. Francis believed that God shows up in unexpected places, often in places we try to avoid. How can we open up to God during this #Advent to prepare for Christmas? What places in your heart are you avoiding God in?
Franciscans continue to stand with migrants living in fear. In Maryland, friars and parishioners accompany immigrant families, pray outside courts, and offer a ministry of presence. “Look, see! See how our God lives and moves among us…” https://bit.ly/49ZQR5a
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. - John 1:9
Br. Jimmy Kernan, OFM at Siena University refers back to the Gospel of John to help us reflect through the paradox that is the Incarnation of our Lord. The King of King comes to us as a baby.
Br. Joshua Ritcher in Chicago, IL gives us our first Advent challenge this week. How would you shape the world? #Advent
