Embracing the Journey
Embracing the Journey Embarking on the spiritual voyage of Franciscan life, our newly professed friars are taking pivotal steps in their respective journeys. Friar Bob Moynihan, OFM Conv. and friar…
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Encounter Behind Bars: Lessons in Empathy, Compassion, and Love
At 57, and while he was employed as a chaplain for a military base, friar Keith O’Neill answered the call to celebrate Mass for the Catholic prisoners in a federal…
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Shepherding in the Shadows
For friar Matthew Malek, OFM Conv., encounters are part and parcel of his ministry as a priest-friar, and as a counselor in training. Friar Matthew has been working on certification…
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An Encounter in “Beginning Again”
The early biographer of St. Francis, Thomas of Celano, recounts that as Francis was nearing the end of his life, he said to the friars: “let us begin, brothers, to…
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Encounters of Faith
Encounters of Faith: Celebrating a Year of Growth, Grace, and Community in San Antonio and Beyond Friar Andy Martinez, shares a moment with friar Cristian Ubaldo-Martinez(left) and and friar Philip…
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Invitation to Encounter: A Franciscan Perspective on Pilgrimage Ministry
Friar Randy Kin, guiding the devout in a serene rosary procession at Our Lady of Consolation, Carey, Ohio. A journey of faith, one prayer at a time. Invitation to Encounter:…
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Pilgrimage: A Transformative Encounter
Recently, our Mission Advancement Office sponsored a Pilgrimage to Bavaria with friars Wayne Hellmann, OFM Conv., and Steven McMichael, OFM Conv., as pilgrimage leaders. Several pilgrims knew each other or…
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A Brotherhood of Belonging
Over 90 years ago, the first Franciscan Friars Conventual left Italy to what we now know as Zambia. Shortly after WWII, in 1945, the friars from Our Lady of Consolation…
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Encountering Through the Generations
Our society has become increasingly self-aware of generational distinctions—what years, major events, and characteristics define a generation and shape its worldview. We have even given them names: Baby Boomers, Gen…
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St. Francis’ Encounters with Mercy and Compassion
St. Francis’ Encounters with Mercy and Compassion by friar Steve McMichael, OFM Conv. Toward the end of his life, Francis of Assisi (d. 1226) wrote a personal reflection entitled the…
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