Dear Friends,

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

On the occasion of declaring St. Francis the patron saint of ecology (1982), Pope St. John Paul II said that the Eucharist was the foundation, the building block of the faith that grounded and motivated Francis. Francis’ letter, Letter to All the Faithful, captures Francis’ love for Christ in the Eucharist, “All those who refuse to do penance and receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ are blind, because they cannot see the true light, our Lord Jesus Christ.”

There is a profound lack of understanding among Catholics concerning the Holy Eucharist received at the Mass. There is a renewal of the Eucharist taking place in all the Catholic dioceses of the United States. The National Eucharistic Revival culminating with the 10th National Eucharistic Congress July 17-21, Indianapolis, Indiana. This will be the first Eucharistic Congress in 83 years (https://www.eucharisticcongress.org/). This renewal movement is to restore understanding and devotion to this great mystery, which will help us renew our worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

“In his love, God gives himself into our hands; we touch him and receive him daily into our mouths.” (Letter to All Clerics) – St. Francis of Assisi

We friars remember you, our dear friends and companions, in our daily prayers, Mass, 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