A new series by Franciscan Friars Charities, the province’s fundraising partner, is creating space for friars to talk about tough topics, helping normalize issues that some might consider scary or painful to discuss. 

Through meaningful interviews and heartfelt conversations, Friar Time, hosted by Br. David Convertino, OFM, executive director of the Office of Development, offers a deep dive into the intersections of faith, society and personal well-being.  

Each episode features David and another friar discussing topics like living with cancer, anxiety and depression, politics, racism, and being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Recent guests include Brothers George Camacho, OFM; Frank Critch, OFM; Henry Fulmer, OFM; Bill Herbst, OFM; and Kevin Mullen, OFM. 

“The friars understand the joys and the brokenness of people’s lives,” said Br. David. “We’re attentive to things. We accept everyone, we don’t judge, and we help as best we can. Friar Time normalizes some of the issues people are afraid to talk about. When they hear a friar talk about these things, it helps make them less shameful or terrifying.”  

Friar Time is available to share in parish bulletins, on social media and through other forms of communication. It can also be streamed for free on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. New episodes are posted biweekly on Saturdays.

Friar Time is just one of several series offered by Franciscan Friars Charities’ Franciscan TV. Other series include Friar Chef, Friar Art and Masses and Devotions.