Franciscans unite in 2025 for justice, hope and new ministry

In a spirit of trust and deep listening, the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe entered 2025, the Jubilee Year of Hope, by gathering with other members of the Franciscan family in Kansas City for the culmination of the Franciscan Provincial Synod. 

Guided by prayerful conversation and meaningful dialogue through fraternal and regional meetings, participants presented eight priorities to the Provincial Council for approval and adoption. This report proclaimed a bold invitation to all Franciscans – friars, sisters, Secular Franciscans and others – to embrace their roles as missionary disciples in today’s world. 

Standing for justice and peace 

Shortly after the synod ended, the friars acted on the synod’s challenge to respond to the Gospel’s call to care for the needs of the poor, marginalized, vulnerable persons, and our common home. 

In response to changes to U.S. Immigration Law and Policy and to the mass deportations happening across the country, the Provincial Council released a statement in January calling for a just and compassionate approach to immigration policy and held a Day of Fasting and Prayer for Migrants in February. 

Friars put themselves in migrants’ shoes as they bore witness to the dead and missing along the U.S.-Mexico border during the annual Migrant Trail Walk in May. Communities in Silver Spring, Durham, and New York City extended assistance by offering essential services and legal assistance, and by leading prayer services in solidarity with immigrants.  

During the Jubilees of the Mission and Migrants in October, Pope Leo XIV thanked friars who accompany immigrants for their ministry, saying “You have a very great task in your hands, to accompany people who truly, deeply need a sign that God never abandons anyone: the least, the poorest, the stranger, everyone." 

In Western New York, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the bond of friendship with its neighbors in the Seneca Nation, St. Bonaventure University unveiled a land acknowledgment that recognizes “the stewards of the land” upon which the school was built almost 170 years ago.  

Youth participation inspires friars 

The synod also called on the Franciscans to recommit themselves to listening to and accompanying young adults. To strengthen their commitment to engaging young people, the province created an Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and hired its first director last fall. 

Over the summer, three friars began a new ministry that engages young adults in creative ways in Charlotte, North Carolina. In October, the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe was a co-sponsor of the third annual Justice Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., which teaches young adults compassionate, nonviolent approaches to conflict and provides hands-on advocacy training to amplify a message of justice and peace. 

Friars also attended the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, where they were inspired by the faith of the more than 16,000 young people in attendance. 

Friars go global for care of creation 

In 2025, Franciscans worldwide marked the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures – the poem celebrating the divinity in all creation written by St. Francis of Assisi shortly before his death – and Laudato Si’, the papal encyclical inspired by the Canticle that calls us to live out our faith by caring for the natural environment and the poor. 

Franciscan scholar Br. William Short, OFM, released a presentation on the Canticle and Integral Ecology that dives into Laudato Si’s Franciscan roots. Friars from the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe joined world leaders at COP30 in Brazil in November to advocate for policies that will protect vulnerable communities, restore ecological balance and uphold the dignity of all creation. Closer to home, friars from Mt. Irenaeus and St. Bonaventure University students planted 10 trees as part of ongoing efforts to restore the American Chestnut in Western New York. 

Siena University presented UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres with an honorary degree for “his tireless efforts to promote values central to the Franciscan charism – respect for human dignity and human rights, promotion of dialogue and peace, and care for creation – values that align with the mission and vision of Siena University.” 

Offering a ministry of presence in challenging times 

When catastrophes struck their communities, friars were there to help. 

The friars wielded snow shovels and good humor after Winter Storm Blair blew across the U.S. in January. When tornadoes and flooding hit St. Louis, St. Anthony Food Pantry brought a deluge of support to the community. 

In October, Hurricane Melissa delivered a devastating amount of wind and rain to Jamaica. As soon as the storm departed, the friars assessed local needs and established partnerships with organizations like World Central Kitchen to deliver food and other necessities. 

Celebrations, formation and vocations 

Over 100 friars gathered in Albuquerque in August to celebrate five solemn professions and three ordinations. The province embraced new postulants and a sixth friar who professed solemn vows during St. Anthony's feast month. 

Nationwide, discerners were warmly welcomed to Come and See weekends and discernment retreats that built connections and inspired attendees and friars alike. 

On June 27, St. Peter in the Loop Parish in downtown Chicago celebrated its 150th anniversary with a Mass led by Auxiliary Bishop Robert Lombardo and parish leaders, including Br. Michael Fowler and Br. Bob Hutmacher, with Deacon Br. Raphael Ozoude. 

Collaboration and partnerships 

Catholics prayed for Pope Francis during his hospitalization with double pneumonia. They learned of the beatification of the Georgia Martyrs, including Pedro de Corpa, OFM, and four companions. As Lent began on March 5, friars offered weekly gospel reflections on the season from a Franciscan perspective, offering a tool for those yearning for a deeper understanding of their faith.  

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, sparking global reflection on his ministry and legacy. The College of Cardinals elected Robert Francis Provost as Pope Leo XIV. Friars in the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrated, with Provincial Minister Br. Larry Hayes, OFM, offering congratulations and wishing him blessings and strong pastoral leadership. 

Franciscans foster optimism after the Jubilee Year of Hope, aiming to support people who are facing challenges through advocacy, ministry and prayer. 

As Br. Murray Bodo, OFM, so fittingly wrote in “Hope – Much More than a Franciscan Word” - his contribution to the friars’ Wisdom in a Time of Crisis, St. Francis calls us to become “new kinds of fools in the world, wisdom figures who emerge strangely sane and full of hope as they open their arms to those who would join them in the mad dance of love--even in the midst of war, climate change, energy problems, epidemics, the migratory phenomenon, and technological innovation, all erupting simultaneously.  

“God now asks us to open our arms and ‘work mercy’ with one another and with those who would join us on our mad pilgrimage here on earth.”