Filipino Capuchins

25/01/2026

23/01/2026

Let us offer our heartfelt praise to God as we joyously celebrate the sacerdotal anniversary of our esteemed Capuchin brother, Rev. Fr. Zacarias M. Parra, OFMCap. His steadfast devotion to the service of God and His people shines brightly, manifesting the highest ideals of priesthood and Capuchin spirituality. With hearts brimming with gratitude, we pay homage to his unwavering commitment, his compassionate ministry, and the profound impact he have made on countless lives. As he continue to guide his flock with love and wisdom, may the Almighty shower him with abundant blessings and fortify him with the strength and grace needed for the journey that lies ahead.

21/01/2026

TINGNAN: Inilunsad ng mga Franciscan missionaries sa Pilipinas ang 8th Centenary of the Easter of St. Francis sa Santuario De San Antonio Parish sa Forbes Park, Makati City. Tampok dito ang pagsasapubliko ng logo at ang Frate Sole kung saan nagtanghal si renowned Italian Pianist and Composer, Maestro Mario Marini. Pinangunahan ni Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown ang rito ng paglunsad na dinaluhan ng mga obispo ng Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. | Via News Advocates Michael Añonuevo & Norman Dequia

21/01/2026

Opening of the 8th Centenary of the Transitus of Saint Francis

On the morning of Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels at the Porziuncola, the solemn Rite opening the Centenary of the Transitus of Saint Francis took place, in the place that houses the Chapel where the Poor Man of Assisi, in the autumn of 1226, completed his earthly journey by welcoming Sister Death, naked upon the naked earth.

Read more at www.ofmcap.org

18/01/2026

Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God, look with mercy upon my Brother Sergio P. Arenga, OFMCap.
give him to do for your sake alone what he knows you wish of him
and grant him always to desire what is pleasing to you, so that cleansed, enlightened and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit he may always follow the footsteps of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and by your grace alone, may he come to you, O Most High, who in perfect Trinity and simple unity, live and reign and are glorified God almighty through all ages. Amen.

(from the Letter to the whole Order")
"Brother Francis, your little servant, wishes well in the Lord Jesus, to all of you, my brothers, form the first to last.”

16/01/2026

Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God, look with mercy upon my Brother Sandip Koshav, OFMCap.
give him to do for your sake alone what he knows you wish of him
and grant him always to desire what is pleasing to you, so that cleansed, enlightened and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit he may always follow the footsteps of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and by your grace alone, may he come to you, O Most High, who in perfect Trinity and simple unity, live and reign and are glorified God almighty through all ages. Amen.

(from the Letter to the whole Order")
"Brother Francis, your little servant, wishes well in the Lord Jesus, to all of you, my brothers, form the first to last.”

14/01/2026

Friars’ First Recollection of 2026

On January 12, 2026, the brothers joyfully came together for the first recollection of the new year, coinciding with the Memorial of St. Bernard of Corleone, at Albacina Hall of Lourdes School of Mandaluyong.

Brothers from various fraternities shared moments of prayer, reflection, and companionship. The day began at 9:00 AM with mid-morning prayer, creating a peaceful and contemplative tone for the gathering. This was followed by an enriching talk on “Dialogue”, warmly and thoughtfully presented by Fr. Albert Marfil, OFM.

After a brief pause at 10:00 AM, the session continued at 10:30 AM with the second part of the talk, concluding at 11:30 AM. The recollection drew to a close with a simple lunch, providing a relaxed space for fraternal fellowship and conversation.

This blessed beginning of the year both nurtured our spiritual growth and sense of community, reaffirming our shared commitment to prayer, fraternity, and mutual support. Pax et bonum.

11/01/2026

January 12
SAINT BERNARD OF CORLEONE
Religious

St Bernard of Corleone was born on the island of Sicily in the year 1605. His father was a shoemaker and taught his son the ways of the trade. But it was difficult for the lively youth to interest himself in this work. Upon the death of his father, he immediately left the shop and, led by the love of adventure, he took up fencing. It was not long before he became quite adept at wielding the sword. His unusual corporal vigor qualified him to challenge any comer to a contest.
From then on St Bernard of Corleone spent the greater part of his time in training and eagerly seized every opportunity to match swords with his hot tempered countrymen.
Although this manner of life led him far away from God, nevertheless many noble characteristics were perceptible in Bernard. In taking up any quarrel he liked to defend old people and other helpless and defenseless persons against violence. He frequently made devout visits to a crucifix that was highly honored by the people, and provided that a lamp be kept burning before it. Moreover, he cherished great devotion towards St. Francis. God and St. Francis soon led him to realize what a disorderly course he was pursuing.
Bernard had been challenged to a sinful duel, in the course of which he wounded his opponent mortally. In order to escape from his avengers, he sought refuge in flight. In this extremity, as so frequently happens, grace knocked at his heart. Bernard heeded the call. He acknowledged his godless and dangerous conduct for what it was, bewailed it bitterly, and resolved upon a complete change of sentiments.
In order to atone for his sins, St Bernard of Corleone begged for admission among the Capuchins as a lay brother, and on December 13, 1632, he was invested with the holy habit. If in the past Bernard had yielded his bodily members to wayward purposes, he now used them as an atoning sacrifice unto salvation. Seven times a day he scourged himself to the blood. His sleep was limited to three hours on a narrow board, with a block of wood under his head. He fasted for the most part on bread and water. If anything delicious was placed before him, he would carry the food to his mouth so as to whet his appetite, and then lay it down without having tasted it. In spite of his austere life, he still undertook the most unpleasant and annoying tasks as being his due.
Almighty God showed how agreeable to Him was the penitential life Bernard was leading; he favored him with extraordinary graces, particularly with ardent devotion at prayer. Bernard cherished special love for our Blessed Lady, and encouraged others to do the same. Often our Lady appeared to him and placed the Divine Child in his arms. Moreover, she gave him knowledge of the day of his death four months in advance. He died at Palermo on January 12, 1667.
Attracted by the fame of his sanctity, there gathered for his burial so many people who raised their voices in praise of the deceased, that it was less a funeral cortege than a triumphal procession. Numerous miracles occurring at his grave promoted the cause of his beatification by Pope Clement XIII in the year 1767. Pope John Paul II canonized him on June 10, 2001.

Source: The Franciscan Book of Saints
by Fr. Marion Habig, OFM

10/01/2026

Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God, look with mercy upon my Brother Zacarias M. Parra, OFMCap.
give him to do for your sake alone what he knows you wish of him
and grant him always to desire what is pleasing to you, so that cleansed, enlightened and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit he may always follow the footsteps of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and by your grace alone, may he come to you, O Most High, who in perfect Trinity and simple unity, live and reign and are glorified God almighty through all ages. Amen.

(from the Letter to the whole Order")
"Brother Francis, your little servant, wishes well in the Lord Jesus, to all of you, my brothers, form the first to last.”

04/01/2026

Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God, look with mercy upon my Brother Abin Jose, OFMCap.
give him to do for your sake alone what he knows you wish of him
and grant him always to desire what is pleasing to you, so that cleansed, enlightened and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit he may always follow the footsteps of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and by your grace alone, may he come to you, O Most High, who in perfect Trinity and simple unity, live and reign and are glorified God almighty through all ages. Amen.

(from the Letter to the whole Order")
"Brother Francis, your little servant, wishes well in the Lord Jesus, to all of you, my brothers, form the first to last.”

02/01/2026

Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God, look with mercy upon my Brother Leny Escalada, OFMCap.
give him to do for your sake alone what he knows you wish of him
and grant him always to desire what is pleasing to you, so that cleansed, enlightened and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit he may always follow the footsteps of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and by your grace alone, may he come to you, O Most High, who in perfect Trinity and simple unity, live and reign and are glorified God almighty through all ages. Amen.

(from the Letter to the whole Order")
"Brother Francis, your little servant, wishes well in the Lord Jesus, to all of you, my brothers, form the first to last.”

31/12/2025

Paskuhang Capuchino 2025! A Year-end Party to Remember
Last December 12, 2025, before the brothers went on with our apostolate as shepherds to the flock for the upcoming Simbang Gabi and Christmas celebrations at that time, we celebrated our own Paskuhang Capuchino 2025 Year-end Party. Brothers from our different fraternities gathered and shared once more our fraternal bond of course, starting with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Br. Edgar S. Martinez, OFMCap, and Rev. Ian Pamintuan, OFMCap as the deacon. After the Mass, we gathered at the front of Santuario di Padre Pio to perform the Karakol to the St. Bernadette Hall for the Year-end Party proper.
Simple and delicious meals, raffle prizes, games and Karakol and Christmas performances were shared among us, along with the laughter, stories and experiences of each brother throughout the year. In the end, we are all grateful and blessed for the year that passed. Whether it be good and bad experiences along the way, all with the brothers and clinging to our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. May all of you have a wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year! Pax et Bonum!