Franciscans

The Latest

Pope Francis at the Nagasaki Martyrs’ Monument on Nishizaka Hill Nov. 24, 2019.

The first Mexican-born martyr: a castaway friar who was crucified in Japan 

Feb 5, 2024

By ACI Prensa

Only 25 when he was killed, San Felipe de Jesus — St. Philip of Jesus — is celebrated Feb. 5... Read more

Ryan Realbuto, who enjoyed his time with Capuchin Franciscan Volunteer Corps, is remembered for his good heart. ()

Catholic volunteer killed on way home from adoration was ‘old soul’

Jan 24, 2024

By Matt McDonald

Ryan Realbuto, 23, was shot and killed in an attempted robbery on Jan. 18 while walking home from a Holy... Read more

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Catholics can receive a plenary indulgence by praying before a Nativity scene 

Nov 25, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

From Dec. 8 until Feb. 2, Catholics will be able to receive a plenary indulgence by praying before a Nativity... Read more

Historic Tower at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Franciscans return to Walter Reed after contract controversy resolved

Jun 15, 2023

By Kevin J. Jones

The friars’ longtime ministry was interrupted when their contract for pastoral services expired on March 31, just before Holy Week. Read more

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Carmelite priest arrested, others accused in Bolivia on sex abuse charges

May 22, 2023

By Abel Camasca

In the midst of allegations of sexual abuse against Jesuit priests in Bolivia, a Carmelite priest was arrested recently by... Read more

Historic Tower at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Walter Reed military hospital says new Catholic pastoral care contract under review

Apr 11, 2023

By Kevin J. Jones

The Maryland medical center was sharply criticized by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio for not renewing its contract with a local... Read more

Father John Bok, OFM, escaped a major collision on Oct. 2, 2022, when an SUV went airborne and flew over his car.

‘Miracle’ caught on video: Priest escapes unharmed when SUV hurdles his car

Nov 1, 2022

By Joe Bukuras

Something extraordinary happened to Father John Bok as he was heading to Mass on the feast of the Guardian Angels. Read more

Saint Anthony of Padua, by El Greco (c. 1580).

St. Anthony of Padua relics to visit Kansas City — and one will stay

Oct 7, 2022

By Jonah McKeown

Several parishes in Kansas City, Missouri, are set to host traveling relics of St. Anthony of Padua this weekend. Read more

A statue of St. Anthony stands in the St. Francis Chapel run by the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement in upstate New York.

Meet the friars who have been praying to St. Anthony daily for 100 years

Jun 12, 2022

By Katie Yoder

June 13 is the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua. Read more

Sister Sue Anne Hall (left) and Sister Delores Voigt provide prayer and hospitality for pro-life volunteers at Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent, located across the street from the last remaining Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in St. Louis, Missouri.

Meet the Franciscan sisters who live (and pray) across the street from an abortion clinic

Feb 27, 2022

By Leonardo Colon

The mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent is “to provide a place of prayer and hospitality for pilgrims to... Read more

Nathan de Brito and Pope Francis at World Youth Day 2013 (L) Nathan de Brito and Bishop Joaquim Wladimir Lopes Dias en 2021 (R). Facebook de Mons. Joaquim Wladimir Lopes Dias

Boy who embraced pope during WYD in Rio is now a young man discerning religious life

Jan 5, 2022

By Cynthia Perez

During World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, in 2013, a boy made his way through the crowd to hug... Read more

Pope Francis meets participants in the general chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order, Nov. 15, 2021.

Pope Francis asks Secular Franciscans to take St. Francis’ path of conversion

Nov 15, 2021

By CNA Staff

Secular Franciscan Order is holding its general chapter in Rome. Read more

Pope Francis waves to the crowds at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on Sept 2, 2015.

Pope Francis to Friars Minor: Seek renewal amid declining numbers

Jul 17, 2021

By CNA Staff

Members of the Order of Friars Minor are meeting in Rome. Read more

Fr. Massimo Fusarelli, the new minister general of the Order of Friars Minor.

Franciscan order elects 121st successor of St. Francis of Assisi

Jul 13, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Fr. Massimo Fusarelli takes over from U.S. Franciscan Fr. Michael Perry. Read more

Pope Francis meets Poor Clare nuns whose monastery was destroyed in 2009 earthquake

Apr 26, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis on Monday met with a community of Poor Clare nuns, whose abbess died when the roof of their... Read more

Fr. Edward Tamer, a Franciscan friar who has died of COVID-19 at the age of 83. Photos courtesy of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land.

‘I will die with them and for them’: Franciscan friar who survived Syrian War dies of COVID-19

Sep 17, 2020

By Courtney Mares

When asked by his superior if he wanted to leave Aleppo during the Syrian Civil War, Fr. Edward Tamer replied... Read more

Monastery of Franciscan order in Assisi.

Franciscans of Assisi report 18 coronavirus cases

Aug 11, 2020

By Courtney Mares

While Assisi was largely sheltered from a major coronavirus outbreak during Italy’s lockdown, ten Franciscan friars and eight novices at... Read more

St. Francis of Assisi.

Will the real St. Francis please stand up?

Oct 4, 2019

By Matt Hadro

St. Francis of Assisi is widely known for his life of poverty and love of creation. But there’s a lesser-known... Read more

Sr. Stephanie Baliga and some members of her marathon team. Courtesy photo.

Why this Franciscan nun is about to run her 10th marathon

Oct 3, 2019

By Mary Farrow

Sr. Stephanie Baliga is about to run her tenth marathon. Here's why.  Read more

Franciscan Province paid poor abuse victims $15,000 in nondisclosure agreement

Aug 27, 2019

The Associated Press has uncovered the cases of two men whom the Franciscans of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin... Read more