OFM Franciscan Friars - Australia/NZ

14/05/2026

Friar John Pickering OFM embraced Sister Death on 6 May. Today, his Funeral Mass was celebrated at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, where he had served so faithfully for many years.

John was a pastor to countless people and communities, especially Spanish speakers, the deaf, and those living with disability. Like St Francis of Assisi before him, he sought out and embraced those whom the world too often overlooked or counted of little worth.

His labours now ended, may John find rest from his sufferings, peace in a life well spent, and the fullness of joy as he beholds God face to face.

‘Praise be you, My Lord, through our sister bodily death from whom no one living can escape.’ St Francis of Assisi

12/05/2026

The Franciscan Friars are an international missionary Order. St Francis encouraged the friars to go to all nations to preach the Gospel.

Fr Stephen Bliss, our Provincial Minister, is meeting with the General Minister and newly elected Provincials to talk about how we are working together to proclaim the Gospel.

12/05/2026

Franciscan Friars, Fr Joe & Fr Charlie, with Br Nathan from the Anglican Franciscan Friars attended the FSA Social Justice Day.

08/05/2026

Franciscan Friars Vocation Dinner (Auckland)
When: 27th May 2026, Wed 6pm
Where: St Francis Retreat Centre,
(50 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, Auckland 1042, New Zealand)

Join us for an evening to learn about the Franciscan Friars and explore the Life of a Friar—living the Gospel of Life based on how St Francis lived with simplicity, joy, service to the poor and love for all creation.

This event is open to single men aged 18–40 who are discerning a call to religious life or simply want to learn more. Come with your questions and an open mind.

04/05/2026

Franciscan Friars Vocation Dinner (Sydney)
When: 19th May 2026, Tues 6pm
Where: St Dominic's Catholic Church
(108 The Crescent, Homebush West NSW 2140)

Join us for an evening to learn about the Franciscan Friars and explore the Life of a Friar—living the Gospel of Life based on how St Francis lived with simplicity, joy, service to the poor and love for all creation.

This event is open to single men aged 18–40 who are discerning a call to religious life or simply want to learn more. Come with your questions and an open mind.

02/05/2026

Franciscan Vocation Dinner - Brisbane. Tuesday 5th May.

Catch up Fr Harry Chan - Vocation Director for the Franciscan Friars in Australia & New Zealand.

To join the Franciscan Friars you are invited to enter into a period of Accompaniment & Spiritual Direction to explore your vocation call before formally applying to enter our Postulancy program in which you live in and share the life if the friars for several months.

After this you applyto enter our Noviciancy, a year of seperation from the world, prayer and discernment.

After Noviciancy you enter vowed life on a temporary basis for 3 years as you study and do ministry. Then you make a solemn commitment to devote the rest of your life as a friary, living with nothing if your own, in chastity and obedience, bringing alive the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Friars have one mission - to proclaim the Gospel - but many ways of doing this.

https://franciscans.org.au/vocations-and-formation/

28/04/2026

https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/georgia-martyrs-killed-for-defending-marriage-to-be-beatified-in-us-this-october

Five Spanish Franciscan friars, collectively known as the “Georgia Martyrs,” will be beatified in Savannah, Georgia, on Oct. 31.

25/04/2026

25/04/2026

This ANZAC Day we continue to honour those men and women who served our country Australia and our close neighbour New Zealand, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their life for their country. We also remember all the service men and women who were scared by their experience of war in service of their country, may the Lord give them peace.

ANZAC Day is not focused on military battles but on individual people who have served our country in the armed services. The names of the fallen are written in memorials across Australia in cities and towns. Behind each name are family, friends and fellow servicemen and women who have lost a loved one.

The Franciscan Friars in Australia & New Zealand have a long tradition of supporting those serving in the military services as chaplains. This tradition is continued by our brother Fr Paul Ghanem today.

A number of friars served in the armed services during conflict prior to joining the Franciscan Order.

Gracious and loving God,
the cross of Christ is the sign
of your desire for justice and peace for all.
Open our minds to your vision
as we remember all who suffered
through Australia and New Zealand’s involvement
in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Grant all servicepersons
who sacrificed health and life for the good of all,
the gift of your deep peace.
May we who inherit the freedom for which they fought
become instruments of your peace
in our homes, workplaces and world.
We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen
(Australian Catholic Bishop's Conference)

24/04/2026

Friar Steve Bliss OFM delivered a talk on ‘Living the Gospel Life’ at St Dominic’s Church, Flemington. St Francis is often held up as an example of someone who didn’t just talk about the Gospel life, but he lived it throughout his life (love, forgiveness, simplicity, care for others). Fr Steve encouraged us to be authentic in our daily lives like St Francis.