Dear Friends,

Greetings in the Lord from the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation!

The Season of Easter is that graced moment of our lives open to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on each of us. It is not the time to sit back. It is a time for action, for participation. Participation fosters fraternity, unity, and synodality in the Church and society. Friar Ian invites us to look around our neighborhood to those unseen heroes who give of themselves with the great love that is the backbone of a community.

“Why do you wish to make vows?” is a question that friar André Miller reflects upon as he and the other friar-novices prepare to profess the vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. André’ reflects that it is his best attempt to radically respond to God’s radical love, ‘through the “crazy” method of St. Francis, which is ‘to observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.’

Community building is fostered in parishes. Friar Bob Roddy, OFM Conv, writes of two women from different parish communities who share the importance of service and giving back to their communities, especially those on the margins of communities.

Participation in the ministry to refugees on the border of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, is a ministry of welcome and love by friar Jarek and volunteers at the Holy Family Refugee Center. “In the Gospel, the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus, fled into the desert and sought refuge and shelter. In El Paso, Texas, the Holy Family Refugee Center gives shelter to refugee families.”

We friars will continue to remember you, our dear friends and companions, in our daily prayers and devotions.

May God bless you and fill you with the Peace of our Lord!

Sincerely in Christ, St. Francis, and St. Anthony

Fr. John Elmer OFM Conv.
Spiritual Director