Province of Our Lady of Consolation

06/22/2026

Welcoming the stranger and walking with those who live on the margins are central to the Franciscan way of life. In the borderlands, this call becomes especially clear. In his poem “A Friar on the Border,” friar Joseph Bach, OFM Conv., reflects on his ministry in New Mexico as a brother, servant of peace, and as an acompañante de esperanza— a companion of hope. His poem reminds us that Franciscan ministry is lived through presence, mercy, and the call to recognize Christ in those too often overlooked. Read the full reflection here:

I am a Conventual Franciscan Friar; but not first by habit, not first by title, not first by the grey cloth that brushes desert dust.

06/20/2026

Last week, friars from the Province of Our Lady of Consolation gathered with fellow Conventual, Capuchin, and OFM friars at St. Bonaventure University for “Transitus in an Era of Epochal Change,” a four-day conference that explored the meaning of the Transitus in a time of profound global and ecclesial change. This gathering offered time for prayer, fraternity, learning, and reflection. We are grateful for the chance to gather as brothers, to remember the witness of St. Francis, and to renew our shared commitment to living the Franciscan charism today.

06/19/2026

In this Friday with the Friars video from Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center, Fr. Steve McMichael, OFM Conv., reflects on why Franciscans place such a deep emphasis on poverty and simplicity. For the friars, this way of life is rooted in the experience of St. Francis, who discovered that letting go of possessions opened his heart more fully to Christ. Like Jesus, Francis drew near to the poor, the sick, the widowed, and the orphaned. He gave of himself freely, learning that simplicity was not emptiness, but a path toward deeper love and humility.

06/17/2026

Last weekend, the St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church gathered to celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony with Mass, prayer, remembrance, and fellowship. In his homily, friar John Bamman, OFM Conv., reflected on St. Anthony and reminded the parish that St. Anthony can help those who feel lost find their way back to God. Sharing from his own vocation story, Friar John spoke of being called to ministry at age 34 and the grace that has shaped his journey since.

Following Mass, the parish blessed and dedicated the new Family Legacy Memorial Prayer Garden. Bricks were placed in honor of loved ones and the Religious Orders that have served St. Anthony of Padua throughout its 175-year history. As each friar’s name listed on the memorial was called, altar servers placed a white rose on each brick, a gesture of love, respect, and hope in the resurrection. The celebration continued with a parish dinner honoring the Feast of St. Anthony and offering a heartfelt farewell to Friar John as he prepares to continue his pastoral ministry at Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center. May St. Anthony continue to guide all who seek God, all who feel lost, and all who find a spiritual home in this beloved parish community.

06/14/2026

Yesterday, on the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, we joined our brothers and sisters in El Paso in honoring a beloved Franciscan saint who holds a special place in the life of the Tigua people.
At Ysleta Mission - OLMC, faith, culture, and community have been woven together for generations. Saint Anthony is honored as the patron saint of the Tigua, and each year his feast day is marked with prayer, tradition, dancing, and gathering. These recent photos from the parish offer a glimpse into the days of preparation and celebration surrounding this sacred feast.

06/07/2026

We joyfully honor friar Jaroslaw “Jarek” Wysoczański as he celebrates 40 years of priestly ordination. Ordained on June 7, 1986, friar Jarek has dedicated his life to serving those on the margins, living the Franciscan call to encounter Christ in the poor and the stranger.
A native of Poland, he has ministered in Peru, Africa, and along the U.S.–Mexico border. Today, his work with refugees at Holy Family Refugee Center in El Paso, Texas, embodies the Gospel mandate to welcome the stranger. With warmth, joy, and deep compassion, he and his fellow volunteers accompany refugees by offering food, shelter, dignity, and hope. Rooted in the witness of St. Francis and the words of Christ in Matthew 25, friar Jarek’s ministry reflects a faith lived through presence, mercy, and radical hospitality.

Please keep friar Jarek in your prayers, asking God to sustain him in compassion and strength as he continues to serve Christ among the most vulnerable.

06/01/2026

Celebrating 100 years in El Paso, Texas last Sunday reminded us that the Franciscan mission has always been shaped by the people we serve. At Ysleta Mission - OLMC generations of friars have walked with a community rooted in faith, culture, and resilience. From the earliest years of parish ministry to today’s vibrant intercultural life, this place reflects the Province’s commitment to accompanying God’s people where the Gospel meets real human need.

05/22/2026

During Provincial Chapter last week at Holy Cross Retreat Center, Dr. Ken Miller was formally inducted as an Honorary Member. As a former friar, student at Mount Saint Francis, and longtime friend of the friars, Dr. Miller has remained closely connected to the Province through years of friendship and support. This recognition honors that bond and for the many ways he has continued to walk with the friars. We are grateful for Dr. Miller’s presence among us!

05/19/2026

Last week at Holy Cross Retreat Center, Fr. Martin Day, OFM Conv., was formally installed for his second term as Minister Provincial. The Definitory for the next four years was also selected. Working alongside Fr. Martin on the Definitory will be friar Paul Schloemer, OFM Conv., friar Tom Merrill, OFM Conv. (not pictured), friar Phil Ley, OFM Conv., friar Randy Kin, OFM Conv., friar Leo Payyappilly, OFM Conv., and friar Alberto Bravo, OFM Conv. We ask for continued prayers for Fr. Martin, his Definitory, and all the friars as they carry this work forward.

05/19/2026

Congratulations to Fr. Miguel Briseño, OFM Conv., as he celebrates 36 years of priestly ministry! We are grateful for his faithful service and the lasting impact of his ministry. We also look forward to celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Province in El Paso at Ysleta Mission - OLMC this Sunday, May 24. We hope you’ll join us for this special celebration.
Register here: https://www.franciscansusa.org/celebrate-100-rsvp/

Congratulations Fr. Miguel Briseño on your Anniversary of your Ordination to the Priesthood!

May God continue to bless you with strength, wisdom, and joy as you faithfully serve His people. Your dedication, compassion, and spiritual guidance have touched many lives. May the Lord reward you abundantly for your 36 years of faithful ministry and grant you many more blessed years in His service. Happy Anniversary and God bless you always.