Province of Our Lady of Consolation

06/14/2026

Yesterday, on the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, we joined our brothers and sisters in El Paso in honoring a beloved Franciscan saint who holds a special place in the life of the Tigua people.
At Ysleta Mission - OLMC, faith, culture, and community have been woven together for generations. Saint Anthony is honored as the patron saint of the Tigua, and each year his feast day is marked with prayer, tradition, dancing, and gathering. These recent photos from the parish offer a glimpse into the days of preparation and celebration surrounding this sacred feast.

06/07/2026

We joyfully honor friar Jaroslaw “Jarek” Wysoczański as he celebrates 40 years of priestly ordination. Ordained on June 7, 1986, friar Jarek has dedicated his life to serving those on the margins, living the Franciscan call to encounter Christ in the poor and the stranger.
A native of Poland, he has ministered in Peru, Africa, and along the U.S.–Mexico border. Today, his work with refugees at Holy Family Refugee Center in El Paso, Texas, embodies the Gospel mandate to welcome the stranger. With warmth, joy, and deep compassion, he and his fellow volunteers accompany refugees by offering food, shelter, dignity, and hope. Rooted in the witness of St. Francis and the words of Christ in Matthew 25, friar Jarek’s ministry reflects a faith lived through presence, mercy, and radical hospitality.

Please keep friar Jarek in your prayers, asking God to sustain him in compassion and strength as he continues to serve Christ among the most vulnerable.

06/01/2026

Celebrating 100 years in El Paso, Texas last Sunday reminded us that the Franciscan mission has always been shaped by the people we serve. At Ysleta Mission - OLMC generations of friars have walked with a community rooted in faith, culture, and resilience. From the earliest years of parish ministry to today’s vibrant intercultural life, this place reflects the Province’s commitment to accompanying God’s people where the Gospel meets real human need.

05/22/2026

During Provincial Chapter last week at Holy Cross Retreat Center, Dr. Ken Miller was formally inducted as an Honorary Member. As a former friar, student at Mount Saint Francis, and longtime friend of the friars, Dr. Miller has remained closely connected to the Province through years of friendship and support. This recognition honors that bond and for the many ways he has continued to walk with the friars. We are grateful for Dr. Miller’s presence among us!

05/19/2026

Last week at Holy Cross Retreat Center, Fr. Martin Day, OFM Conv., was formally installed for his second term as Minister Provincial. The Definitory for the next four years was also selected. Working alongside Fr. Martin on the Definitory will be friar Paul Schloemer, OFM Conv., friar Tom Merrill, OFM Conv. (not pictured), friar Phil Ley, OFM Conv., friar Randy Kin, OFM Conv., friar Leo Payyappilly, OFM Conv., and friar Alberto Bravo, OFM Conv. We ask for continued prayers for Fr. Martin, his Definitory, and all the friars as they carry this work forward.

05/19/2026

Congratulations to Fr. Miguel Briseño, OFM Conv., as he celebrates 36 years of priestly ministry! We are grateful for his faithful service and the lasting impact of his ministry. We also look forward to celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Province in El Paso at Ysleta Mission - OLMC this Sunday, May 24. We hope you’ll join us for this special celebration.
Register here: https://www.franciscansusa.org/celebrate-100-rsvp/

Congratulations Fr. Miguel Briseño on your Anniversary of your Ordination to the Priesthood!

May God continue to bless you with strength, wisdom, and joy as you faithfully serve His people. Your dedication, compassion, and spiritual guidance have touched many lives. May the Lord reward you abundantly for your 36 years of faithful ministry and grant you many more blessed years in His service. Happy Anniversary and God bless you always.

05/16/2026

Today we give thanks for friar Kenneth Davis as he celebrates 40 years of priestly ordination. Ordained May 16, 1986, friar Kenneth currently serves as Visiting Professor of Spirituality at St. Joseph Seminary College in Louisiana, continuing a lifelong ministry of formation, scholarship, and pastoral care.

His vocation began with a simple but powerful encounter during a youth retreat at Mount St. Francis, where the joy and fraternity of the friars stirred a desire that would shape his life. A prolific author and speaker, friar Kenneth measures his ministry not by publications or accolades, but by trust, relationship, and personal encounter. His gratitude for the generosity of benefactors and the quiet surprises of God remains a defining mark of his priesthood. Please join us in prayer for friar Kenneth, asking God to bless him with continued joy and peace as he celebrates this milestone of faithful service.

Photos courtesy of Province of Our Lady of Consolation Archives

05/15/2026

This week, the friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation are gathered at Holy Cross Retreat Center for Provincial Chapter, a regular gathering of elected friars who pray, reflect on the life of the Province, review ministries and finances, and discern priorities for the years ahead. It is both a spiritual and practical process rooted in fraternity, shared responsibility, and the Franciscan tradition of communal discernment. Please continue to pray for our friars and for the Province of Our Lady of Consolation as Chapter continues.

05/13/2026

In the Spring 2026 issue of Religious Formation Conference's InFormation magazine, Fr. Mario Serrano, OFM Conv., reflects on the message Saint Francis’ life offers us today, especially for those entrusted with forming men and women in religious life. Fr. Mario reminds us that Francis points us back to what is essential: a heart centered on Christ, a spirit of fraternity, a freedom rooted in poverty, and a joy born from trust in God.

05/12/2026

For decades, Minnesota has held an important place in the life of the Province, from formation to parish ministry and the quiet welcome of Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake. Last week, we continued our 100th Anniversary celebration in Prior Lake during the Franciscan International Awards Dinner, where the Province of Our Lady of Consolation was the honoree. It was a meaningful evening as we gave thanks for the friars’ presence in Minnesota and across the Province, and for the many ways they have accompanied people through prayer, study, service, hospitality, and sacred space. As we looked back with gratitude, we were also reminded that these gifts continue to shape and renew our mission today.