Conventual Franciscans Midwest USA

Conventual Franciscans Midwest USA Conventual Franciscan Friars of St. Bonaventure Province serving Midwest USA.

Franciscan Meditation Day 5 🙏 With his passion for evangelism, Francis travelled to the Holy Land on pilgrimage during v...
06/15/2026

Franciscan Meditation Day 5 🙏

With his passion for evangelism, Francis travelled to the Holy Land on pilgrimage during very trying times between the Catholic and Muslim faiths. Not only did Francis reach Acro and Damiata safely, but he also met the Sultan of Egypt who guaranteed him protection throughout his pilgrimage.

In the scene depicted in the Tavola, we see a Francis conversing calmly with the Sultan. This is contrasted by the unknown Christian crusader riding in the background. Francis entered into a calm dialogue with the Sultan, which allowed for mutual respect and understanding, and in the end safety.

This scene shows us an example of interreligious dialogue that comes out mutually beneficial for both parties. It can be difficult to balance your own belief with the differing opinions of others. However, like Francis, exercising respect of your fellow man should take precedent.

Feast day of Saint Anthony of PaduaSaint Anthony of Padua was born in Portugal in 1195, and at the age of 15 joined the ...
06/13/2026

Feast day of Saint Anthony of Padua

Saint Anthony of Padua was born in Portugal in 1195, and at the age of 15 joined the Canons Regular of Saint Augustine. He had a great talent for philosophy and theology but sought out a more rigorous life of devotion to Christ.

After spending many years with the Augustinian brotherhood, Anthony decided to turn to a different path, that of a Franciscan. After harsh missionary work, Anthony travelled to Assisi where he met Saint Francis. This encounter cemented his discernment, and from that point forward he followed in the footsteps of Francis.

At the age of 32 Anthony was appointed as the superior of the Franciscan fraternities of northern Italy. He resided in Padua where he developed a deep relationship with the community and tirelessly helped the poor and vulnerable in the area.

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 🙏 ✝️ ❤️ Every day we work to grow closer to Jesus. Venerat...
06/12/2026

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 🙏 ✝️ ❤️

Every day we work to grow closer to Jesus. Venerating the His Sacred Heart is one of the main ways to understand His glory, and to grow in holiness.

On December 27, 1673, a nun named Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque began to have visions of the Sacred Heart. These visions continued for 18 months and during this period Sister Margaret found new ways to venerate the Sacred Heart, one of these being an observed Solemnity after Corpus Christi. Though some of her peers were skeptical of her visions, they came to be accepted and now serve as a feast day for the whole Catholic Church.

Today, find time to meditate on the Holiness of the Sacred Heart and consider Jesus' major sacrifice for all of humanity.

For more information on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, copy and paste this link to our blog:
https://franciscancommunity.org/the-solemnity-of-the-sacred-heart/

Franciscan Meditation Day 4 🙏 In this scene in the Tavola we see the tumultuous process of Clare Offreducci offering com...
06/08/2026

Franciscan Meditation Day 4 🙏

In this scene in the Tavola we see the tumultuous process of Clare Offreducci offering complete devotion to the Lord through the guidance of Francis. While she is taken in whole-heartedly by the friars, her uncle, seen on horseback with a drawn sword, has other opinions on Clare's decision.

Rather than pursuing a religious life, as Clare has found to be her vocation, her family hopes for her to enter into a marriage. Her noble lineage came with certain expectations, which she was abandoning to join Francis.

You may find that your vocation and calling is leading you towards an unusual path that might not be immediately understood by your friends or family. This can be a difficult path to come across, but like Clare find the courage to follow your vocation despite worldly judgements.

The Vatican Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life has today officially approved t...
06/02/2026

The Vatican Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life has today officially approved the election of our Brother, Friar James REITER, as the Minister Provincial of the West Coast Province of Saint Joseph of Cupertino. Though the election took place in April, due to current Vatican canonical requirements regarding Religious Brothers as Major Superiors, the result could not be officially announced until it's ratification by the Vatican Dicastery. With this announcement, Br. James becomes the first Religious Brother elected as a Minister Provincial since Brother Elias, almost 800 years ago! Br. James began his Religious Life with our Saint Bonaventure Province, before transfiliation to the newly established Saint Joseph of Cupertino Province in the 1980s.

We congratulate Br. James on his election; a monumental moment in our Order's history!

Franciscan Meditation Day 3 🙏 The third scene in the Franciscan Tavola has two separate depictions of Francis' journey t...
06/01/2026

Franciscan Meditation Day 3 🙏

The third scene in the Franciscan Tavola has two separate depictions of Francis' journey to full acceptance of his vocation. In the top portion of the scene we see the Holy Spirit coming to Saint Francis in a dream and asking him again if he would devote his life to serving to the Lord. At this moment Francis had completely devoted his life to Christ and the Church.

The main scene shows Francis and his friend, Bernardo of Quintavalle, looking through the Word of God and discerning what exactly their vocation would look like. The first Franciscans gave away their earthly possessions and looked to Jesus Christ as their one true leader.

Like the early Franciscans, a meaningful meditation of God's word is vital for discerning your own vocation. While it might look very different from a Franciscan way of life, listening to what Christ asks of you is a pivotal initial step in your journey towards your vocation.

For more information about this portion of the Tavola, copy and paste this link to our blog:
https://franciscancommunity.org/scene-3-acceptance-and-the-first-franciscans/

05/31/2026

Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

The Sunday after Pentecost we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the central mystery of the Catholic faith. We meditate on the fact that God is one in three Divine Persons: the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each one works within our lives in different but cohesive ways.

For more information on the holy day, copy and paste this link to our blog:
https://franciscancommunity.org/?p=3959

St. Ita's had a little visitor on Sunday during 5:30 Mass! 🐦‍⬛ 🪺 Thank you, Silvia Tellez, OFS, for your adorable photo!
05/29/2026

St. Ita's had a little visitor on Sunday during 5:30 Mass! 🐦‍⬛ 🪺
Thank you, Silvia Tellez, OFS, for your adorable photo!

The fourth week of May comes to an end, and with that we have our fourth quote for consideration during your Marian devo...
05/29/2026

The fourth week of May comes to an end, and with that we have our fourth quote for consideration during your Marian devotion.

St. Anthony of Padua reminds us of the sweetness of Mary's presence in our spiritual lives. Today, focus on the joy that comes with the consideration of the Mary's role in our lives, and the sweetness she exhibits that we can work to emulate.

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Chicago, IL
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