Holy Spirit Province

Aldin Francis Canobas, OFM When I visited Banaue in the Philippines, I was touched by the simple nipa huts of the Ifugao people. These huts are made from wood and leaves, yet they are strong and full of life. Families eat, rest, and share (…)
Vincent McConnell, OFM The death of St. Francis is often remembered through the tears of a friend whose role is sometimes forgotten: Lady Jacoba of Settesoli. Lady Jacoba was a wealthy Roman widow, but her life was forever changed when she encountered Francis. She (…)
Francis Oppong Acheampong, OFM The famous Canticle of the Creatures, also known as the Canticle of Brother Sun, written by Saint Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century, is one of the earliest known works of Italian literature. What stands out most to me is (…)
The Friars of Holy Spirit Province Saint-Esprit rejoiced in the renewal of vows on August 26, 2025. During the annual summer retreat at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre Friars Aldin, Brandon, Vincent and Francis renewed their vows during Evening Prayer. This marked the first (…)
Habemus Papam! Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV today, gave this blessing: “God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and (…)
On Friday, April 4, the brothers concluded their 2025 Chapter. The theme was “Together for the Mission,” and it was conducted in a spirit of listening and discernment. For the first time, we invited collaborators—employees, friends, and other members of the Franciscan family—to join (…)
Several of our friars attended a very special event in the Archdiocese of Edmonton on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Newman Theological College. Since this year, Lent and Ramadan coincide, men and women from the Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities and the Archdiocese (…)
On Feb. 20 -23, St. Francis Friary in Edmonton, Alberta, hosted a “Come and See” weekend. Three inquirers attended and learned about the Franciscan friars and their ministry. The gathering was led by the vocation team, Brothers Carlos Ona and Joachim Yoon. The weekend (…)
All of us at the Franciscans of Canada warmly congratulate Brother Pierre Charland on his appointment as Bishop of Baie-Comeau and assure him of our prayers in this new vocation! https://www.cccb.ca/media-release/episcopal-resignation-and-appointment-for-the-diocese-of-baie-comeau/ (…)