Dear Friends of our friars and ministries,

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

The beauty of the Nicene Creed draws us as Franciscan Friars to the mystery of the Trinity and the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Our founder, St. Francis, was deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and saw the Creed as a powerful expression of the Christian faith.

For St. Francis, the Creed was not just a statement of doctrine but a song of praise to God, echoing the psalmist’s cry, “Blessed be God forever!” (Psalm 136). As we recite the Creed, we join the early Church in proclaiming the glory of God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and God’s creative power and wisdom, evident in the beauty of creation.

The Nicene Creed reminds us of our responsibility to proclaim God’s love to the world, just as St. Francis did in his own time. May our lives, like the Creed, be a song of praise to God that sees God in all creation and proclaims the beauty of God’s love to the world.

Please join us, friars, in prayer proclaiming the Good News of Jesus to our divided world and fostering a spirit of welcome to our sisters and brothers on the move to a new land, a place of security, peace, and welcome. Thank you!

“[May] the Lord bless you and keep you. May He show His face to you and have mercy. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace. The Lord bless you!” (Blessing of St. Francis to Brother Leo)

Sincerely in Christ and St. Francis,

Fr. John Elmer OFM Conv.
Spiritual Director