Franciscan Friars OFM Vocation Philippines

28/04/2026

✝️ THIS IS HOW THE MOTHERS OF THE PRIESTS ENTER HEAVEN.

When a priest is ordained, his hands are anointed with oil by the bishop. Then his hands are cleaned with a white linen towel called a maniturgium.

The oil used on the priest's hands is sacred, previously blessed by the bishop, so that the maniturgium, or manutergio, cannot be thrown away in the trash.

Although it could end up in a laundry basket to be cleaned, the priests of history have made it a habit to keep these linen cloths to present to their mothers during their first Mass.

According to an ancient tradition, the mother keeps the towel in a safe place until the day of her death. Then, when her body is ready for the funeral, the manger is deposited in the mother's hands. Then, the pious tradition tells what happens when the priest's mother arrives at the pearly gates of Heaven.

When she arrives at the gates of Heaven, she is accompanied directly to our Lord. Our Lord will say to you, “I have given you life. What have you given me? ” She will hand over the manger and then answer, "I gave you to my son as a priest." And with that Jesus grants him entry into paradise.

It is a beautiful and comforting tradition that always moves those who are present. Tears also run down when a young priest presents the canvas to his mother, tears of joy instead of sorrow.

05/02/2026

26/01/2026

Annual Formation Assembly

14/01/2026

JUBILEE YEAR OF THE FRANCISCANS

The Jubilee Year of the Franciscans is a special time to reflect on the life of St. Francis of Assisi. It is a moment to grow closer to God, live simply, love others deeply, care for creation, and trust in His plan, letting St. Francis’ example inspire and guide our daily lives.

12/01/2026

POPE LEO DECLARES JUBILEE OF SAINT FRANCIS WITH PLENARY INDULGENCE

To mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi (October 3, 1226), the Church has proclaimed a Special Year of Saint Francis from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027.

This Jubilee Year continues the grace of the recently concluded Ordinary Jubilee and invites all the faithful to live as pilgrims of hope, inspired by the life of Saint Francis—his humility, poverty, mercy, and love for Christ and peace.

During the Jubilee, the Apostolic Penitentiary, by the will of the Holy Father, grants a Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions: sacramental confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. This indulgence may also be offered for the souls in Purgatory.

The Plenary Indulgence is granted to members of the Franciscan Family and all the faithful who take part in the Jubilee by visiting a Franciscan church or any place connected to Saint Francis anywhere in the world, spending time in prayer or reflection, and praying for charity, harmony, and peace among peoples. The prayers conclude with the Our Father, the Creed, and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare, and all the Saints of the Franciscan Family.

The elderly, the sick, those confined to their homes, and caregivers may also receive the Plenary Indulgence by spiritually joining the Jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers and sufferings to God, intending to fulfill the usual conditions when possible.

This Jubilee of Saint Francis is a time of grace, calling all Christians to grow in holiness, mercy, and peace by following the Gospel way lived by the Poverello of Assisi.

04/01/2026

30/12/2025

We are happy to share with you HINABI, the revived paper publication of the Initial Formation of the Franciscan Province of San Antonio de Padua – Philippines (Aspirancy, Postulancy, Novitiate, Intensification Year and Post-Novitiate).

HINABI comes from the words meaning “to engage in conversation” and “meaningful exchange,” and also recalls the traditional art of weaving, a patient and harmonious craft. This image beautifully reflects our formation journey, where faith, stories, encounters, and fraternity are carefully woven into the lives of our formandis.

Through these pages, you will encounter firsthand stories of interreligious dialogue, journeying to the peripheries, and walking alongside Indigenous Peoples, Muslims, and the marginalized. These are not abstract ideals, but real experiences of listening, humility, respect, and bridge-building that shape a distinct Franciscan identity.

We invite you to read HINABI and journey with us through these narratives of peace, fraternity, and compassionate understanding, threads patiently woven in the daily rhythm of Franciscan life.

📌The full publication is available in the comment section.

We encourage everyone to read, reflect, and share in this story of formation and fraternal love.