Franciscan Friars, TOR

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, the Franciscan Friars give thanks for all whose work—seen and unseen—serves our families, communities, and neighbors.
May God bless the work of our hands, grant rest to those who labor, provide opportunity for those seeking work, and guide us in building a world where every person is treated with dignity and compassion.
In the spirit of St. Francis, may the work we do always be an instrument of peace and a reflection of God’s love.
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and blessed Labor Day. 🙏

09/04/2026

🙏 You’re Invited to a Special Celebration of Mass
Please join the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R. on Sunday, October 4, at 2:00 p.m. for a special Mass at Immaculate Conception Chapel at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA.
The Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak will serve as Presider, with Fr. Michael Higgins, T.O.R. as homilist.
📅 Sunday, October 4, 2026
🕑 2:00 p.m.
📍 Immaculate Conception Chapel
Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA
A reception with light refreshments will follow Mass at the Pavilion behind Torvian.
Can’t join us in person? The Mass will also be livestreamed. Visit franciscanstor.org on October 4 for the link.
Please RSVP by September 27 to Lisa Weakland at 814-419-8886 or [email protected].
This special celebration is co-sponsored by the Immaculate Conception Province and the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
We hope you’ll join us for this special afternoon of faith, fellowship and Franciscan fraternity! 🙏

09/04/2026

Happy Birthday Fr. Stephen Mary Waruszewski, T.O.R.

09/01/2026

🤲 Join the Hands of St. Francis
When we come together in generosity, even a small monthly gift can become part of something much greater.
By joining the Hands of St. Francis Monthly Giving Circle, you can provide steady support for the Franciscan Friars and help sustain their life of prayer, ministry, and service.
Inspired by St. Francis, let your hands become instruments of compassion, hope, and peace. ❤️
Become a member of the Hands of St. Francis today:
https://franciscanstor.org/spiritual-cards-gifts/monthly-giving-circle

08/31/2026

A Respectful Reminder to Our Community Regarding Use of the Gardens of Mount Assisi
We kindly remind all visitors and professional photographers that the water features at the Gardens of Mount Assisi are not to be entered for any reason, including photo sessions. These areas are not designed for physical access and entering them risks injury, damage to the structures, and disruption of the sacred and historic environment we work hard to maintain.
Additionally, all professional photography sessions require prior permission from our office. Unauthorized professional use of the property is not permitted. Permission requests can be made on our website https://franciscanstor.org.
Recent incidents have involved individuals entering our fountains for photos, which is strictly prohibited. Future violations may result in removal from the property and involvement of law enforcement.
The Gardens of Mount Assisi are a place of peace, prayer, and natural beauty. To protect this sacred space, we ask all visitors—especially photographers—to honor our guidelines.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping us preserve the beauty and integrity of the Gardens.

08/30/2026

🙏 Could God Be Calling You? 🙏
Have you ever wondered if God is calling you to something more?
Our Discernment Retreat Weekends (also called "Come and See" Weekends) with the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., offer Catholic men a chance to step away from the noise of everyday life and spend time in prayer, fraternity, and conversation with the Friars. It's an opportunity to experience Franciscan life firsthand, ask questions, meet many friars and discern God's plan in a welcoming, pressure-free environment.
Whether you've been thinking about a vocation for years or are simply beginning to listen for God's voice, this weekend could be the next step in your journey.
"Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." — 1 Samuel 3:9
Learn more about the Discernment Retreat Weekends:
👉 https://franciscanstor.org/vocations/stages-of-discernment/111-come-see-weekends
Or reach out the vocations director, Fr. Jonathan through the Answer the Call form here
👉 https://franciscanstor.org/contact-us/vocation-contact
Please keep all those discerning God's call in your prayers.

08/28/2026

📜 Your Faith Can Bless Future Generations ✝️
One of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones is a legacy rooted in faith. With My Catholic Will, you can create a legally valid will that reflects your Catholic values while ensuring your family is cared for and supporting the ministries that have been meaningful in your life.
The Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., have partnered with My Catholic Will so you can create your will FREE of charge using the referral code franciscanstor. The process takes as little as 15 minutes and also gives you the opportunity to include a legacy gift that will help the Franciscan mission continue for generations to come.
Begin your Catholic will today:
👉 https://mycatholicwill.com/franciscanstor
Your legacy is more than what you leave behind—it is the faith, hope, and love that continue to touch lives long after you're gone.

08/25/2026

🎓🍂Welcome Back, Students Saint Francis University Steubenville🍂🎓
The Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., extend a heartfelt welcome to all the students, faculty, and staff returning to Franciscan University of Steubenville for a new academic year!
As you begin this semester, may you grow not only in knowledge but also in faith, wisdom, and friendship. Every class, conversation, and challenge is an opportunity to discover more fully the person God has created you to be.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide your studies, strengthen you in times of difficulty, and fill your hearts with the joy and peace of Christ. May St. Francis of Assisi inspire you to live with humility, compassion, and a spirit of joyful service.
Know that you are remembered in the prayers of the Franciscan Friars throughout the academic year.
Have a blessed, safe, and successful semester. Welcome back!
"The Lord bless you and keep you." — Numbers 6:24

08/24/2026

🙏 Please join us in welcoming five new postulants!

On the Feast of the Assumption, the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus welcomed Ryan Ozymy, Jack Briggs, James Leonard, Ian Kempker and Karson Bruce to begin their postulancy at St. Bonaventure Friary in Loretto.

This is the Province’s largest postulant class in nine years! Over the next nine months, these five men will deepen their prayer lives, learn more about the Franciscan way of life, continue their studies and serve in local ministries.

Please keep Ryan, Jack, James, Ian and Karson in your prayers as they continue to discern God’s call. May the Lord guide them and all those considering a vocation to Franciscan religious life.

Read their stories and learn what led each of them to the Franciscan T.O.R. community:
https://franciscanstor.org/news/435-postulant-entrance-day

🙏 Lord, bless these men as they begin this new chapter of faith, fraternity and discernment.

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08/24/2026

Happy Birthday Bro. Kolbe Spencer, T.O.R.