Read about Formation News, investiture of new novices in Assisi, reception of new postulants, Fiftieth Anniversary of Mt. Alvernia Retreat Center, and other important items.

We entrust to your prayers the repose of the soul of Mrs. Isabelle M. (Lepene) Hall, mother of Friar Roger Hall, OFM.

On Sunday, September 16, 2018, Mount Alvernia Retreat Center in Wappingers Falls NY celebrated their Fiftieth Anniversary with a concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving.

The program began on Tuesday, September 4. The friars on the formation team are Friar Pierre Farrugia, OFM and Friar Peter Furgiuele, OFM. Welcome to our new postulants

On September 3, Friar Roberto Genuin, OFM Cap., was elected General Minister.

September 8 at the Sanctuary of San Damiano, Assisi.

We entrust to your prayers the soul of Sheila A. (Mitchell) Washburn, beloved mother of Friar Thomas Washburn, OFM, who was called peacefully home to the Lord on Monday, July 9, 2018.

Congratulations to those friars who are celebrating jubilees this year. See the full list of anniversaries here.

We received word that, Maria Grazia (D'Aguanno) Nardoianni, beloved mother of our brother, Friar Antonio Naroianni, O.F.M., passed into eternal life in the early morning hours of April 26, 2018. Details concerning her Wake, Mass of Christian Burial and Interment are still being finalized, however I can inform you at this time, that all services will take place in Villa S. Lucia, (FR), Italy where she died. Our brother, Friar Antonio, presently serves the Church and our Province as Pastor of St. Leonard Church, Boston, Massachusetts. " For the deceased parents of our professed religious and novices, the community of which the bereaved religious is a member, shall celebrate the Eucharist five times, and all other communities twice." PS 8-4

We commend to your prayers the soul of our brother, Friar Robert Artman, OFM, (61) who passed into eternal life on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 21, 2018, while fighting valiantly against the debilitating effects caused by an inoperable tumor in his brain.  At the time of his passing, he was receiving hospice care at St. Christopher Friary, Boston, Massachusetts, where he also served as Guardian and Director of Health Care.

Friar James Goode, OFM has announced the "Franciscans Together in Mission for the Franciscan Missionary Union" campaign. The campaign asks for prayers, compassionate offerings, and donations.

We received word that our brother, Friar Albert McMahon, O.F.M., passed into eternal life in the early afternoon today, February 8, 2018. At the time of his passing, Fr. Albert was affiliated to the community of St. Anthony of Padua Friary, Catskill, New York, while under the care of the staff of Albany Medical Center. Fr. Albert was 83 years of age.

The website Welcome2thebronx.com has reported on the demolition of Our Lady of Pity Church in the South Bronx. Visit the site for the story, photos, and comments.

Provincial Minister Robert Campagna and Provincial Vicar Patrick Boyle will meet with our postulants on April 13-19 who will be arriving to begin an Italian language immersion program.

We received word that, Mr. Joseph Zammit, beloved father of our brother, Friar Jimmy Zammit, O.F.M., passed into eternal life in the evening hours of January 30, 2018. Details concerning his Wake, Mass of Christian Burial and Interment are still being finalized and will be forwarded to you when completed. " For the deceased parents of our professed religious and novices, the community of which the bereaved religious is a member, shall celebrate the Eucharist five times, and all other communities twice." PS 8-4

We commend to your prayers the soul of our brother, Friar Lucius (Mario) Annese, OFM, (86) who passed into eternal life during the early afternoon of Saturday, January 20, 2018. At the time of his passing, Fr. Lucius was affiliated with the community of Saint Christopher Friary, Boston, Massachusetts, while in residence and under hospice care of the staff of Kaplan Family House, Danvers, Massachusetts. Fr. Lucius was the son of the late Antonette (Forgione) and Antonio Annese, having been born in Grottaminarda, Italy on November 12, 1931. He is survived by his sister, Jean B. Annese of Somerville, Massachusetts.

The provincial ministers of the seven US Provinces have issued a statement on Roe Vs. Wade. Click title for full statement.

Using the former space occupied by Franciscan Media, the SJB Province has opened a Center to assist the homeless.

We have received word that Mrs. Matilda Zammit, beloved mother of our brother, Friar Jimmy Zammit, OFM, passed peacefully into eternal life in the morning hours of December 11th.  She was 86 years of age. ​​​​​​​