Conventual Franciscans Midwest USA

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

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 (see official correspondence attached). 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.

🙏 Franciscan Meditation Day 2 🙏 Scene 2: St. Francis renounces his worldly possessions.After intense self-examination, F...
05/25/2026

🙏 Franciscan Meditation Day 2 🙏

Scene 2: St. Francis renounces his worldly possessions.
After intense self-examination, Francis decided that the next step on his path towards his vocation was a complete abandonment of all worldly possessions. In this artistic depiction of this decision, we see Giovanni Bernardone kneeling naked in front of Guido, the Bishop of Assisi.

Francis made the decision to give himself completely to Christ and to the Lady of Poverty. From that point on the only clothes Francis wore were the grey robes that Franciscans continue to wear today.

All our paths towards our vocations look different, but St. Francis has taught us that self-examination in a crucial step in discerning your proper journey.

To read more about this scene in the Tavola, copy and paste this link to our blog:
https://franciscancommunity.org/scene-2-abandonment-of-worldly-possessions/

05/24/2026

Today we commemorate the miracle of Pentecost!

On this day, the Apostles were gathered in Jerusalem. conversing within a room, they were startled by tongues of flame coming and resting on them. From that point they were able to converse in several languages and share the word of God with everyone, no matter their community, language or nationality.

This day reminds us that the word of God is for all: "Make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19)

To learn more about Pentecost, its timing, and its deep meaning for the Church, copy and paste this link to our blog: https://franciscancommunity.org/the-celebration-of-pentecost/

The third week of May comes to a close, and we look to a quote from St. Lawrence of Brindisi to further our Marian devot...
05/22/2026

The third week of May comes to a close, and we look to a quote from St. Lawrence of Brindisi to further our Marian devotion.

St. Lawrence reminds of us Mary's great example. She not only earned the title of Queen of Heaven due to her virtue and humility, but she serves as a near perfect example of God's mercy.

As we close out the second week of May, we can reflect on this famous quote from St. Maximillian Kolbe. Sometimes it can...
05/15/2026

As we close out the second week of May, we can reflect on this famous quote from St. Maximillian Kolbe.

Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish the deep love and devotion we have for Mary from the worship we give to God. Kolbe says that despite this difficulty, not to be frightened of overstepping your devotion to Mary. However much we love the mother of God, Jesus loved her more.

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Chicago, IL
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