News Post Archive

ALL SAINTS’ DAY – NOVEMBER 1 We celebrate All Saints’ Day, a Holy Day of Obligation and we remember the communion of Saints—our unity of all Saints both earth and heaven. It’s our day to be mindful of what we Read More ...Read More »

At 9:30 AM, October 4th, 2024, at the Annunciation Friary, we welcomed friars, who belong to Saint Anthony Friary, Long Khanh Community, OFM Capuchin, and some sisters, who came from many Congregations in the Third Order to solemnly celebrate the Read More ...Read More »

On October 4th we celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis, our Founder of the Franciscan Order. Saint Francis of Assisi (1182 – 1226) is the patron saint of Italy, animals, and ecology. During his life, he astounded and inspired the Read More ...Read More »

Each year on the evening of October 3rd the Franciscan family around the world pauses to celebrate Transitus, the passing of St. Francis from this life to life with God.  It is celebrated the night of October 3, the eve Read More ...Read More »

On September 23, 1981, the St. Joseph of Cupertino Province was established. The Province was established at our then Provinicialate and Novitiate at Arroyo Grande. The Provincialate was moved to Castro Valley in 2016. The Story of the Foundation of Read More ...Read More »

Named after the patron saint of students and aviators, our Province remembers the Feast Day of St. Joseph of Cupertino. Let us take time to reflect on the life of St. Joseph and be inspired by his devotion to the Read More ...Read More »

The postulants of the Conventual and Capuchin Franciscans teamed up for prayer and fellowship over a meal at the Conventual Franciscan Postulancy at St. Bonaventure Friary on September 12, the feast day of the Holy Name of Mary. The visit Read More ...Read More »

Saint Maximilian Kolbe OFM Conv. was a Polish Conventual Franciscan Friar who was very active in promoting the Immaculate Virgin Mary and is known as the Apostle of Consecration to Mary. Much of his life was strongly influenced by a Read More ...Read More »

Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels at Portiuncula and the Rite of Investiture  On Friday, August 2, 2024, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels at Portiuncula, a Mass was celebrated at St. Francis of Read More ...Read More »

CELEBRATING THANKSGIVING ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT FRANCIS ANTHONY FASANI’S CUSTODY PRESENCE IN VIET NAM AND MASS OF RELIGIOUS PROFESSION  On Saturday, July 27, 2024, Fr. Joseph Tran Van Long, the Custos of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani Custody, presided Read More ...Read More »

On the weekend of July 20 and 21, Friars Jacob Carazo and Jame Phan collaborated to make a Mission Appeal at the San Gabriel Mission.  Both the Mission in Vietnam and the San Gabriel Mission were founded by the Franciscans.  Read More ...Read More »

On Friday evening, August 2, 2024, Friar Wayne Mulei professed his Solemn Vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience for the rest of his life. The Mass of Religious Profession was held at Transfiguration Church, Castro Valley, in the presence of Read More ...Read More »

On Thursday, August 1, 2024 Br. James Reiter, Province Secretary and Vicar Provincial, celebrated his 50th anniversary of Solemn Profession as a Conventual Franciscan Friar.  At a Mass that Fr. Victor Abegg, Minister Provincial, celebrated, Br. James made a reprofession Read More ...Read More »

St. Francis of Assisi Novitiate in Arroyo Grande, Calif., was the setting on July 12, 2024, for the investiture of our three novices: Friars James Muzzey, Patrick Allen, and Paulo Moonjeli. After being clothed in the habit of our Order, Read More ...Read More »

On July 15, we remember Saint Bonaventure, who played an important role in the history of the Franciscan Order. Like his model, Saint Francis, Jesus was the center of everything—his teaching, his administration, his writing, and his life. So much Read More ...Read More »

For the past several years, the first week of July is set aside for our annual Community Week. This is a time for the friars to gather for Continuing Education, celebration of anniversaries, and time spent in fraternity. This year’s Read More ...Read More »

On Sunday, June 30, the new postulants arrived in Chicago for the start of their initial formation. The official Welcoming Ceremony occurred on July 5 at the Franciscan House of Studies on Chicago’s North Side, six men were welcomed into Read More ...Read More »

In May and June, Friar Joseph Wood continued his canonical visitations across the US. During his many encounters & engagements, friars were interviewed, a bishop was ordained, anniversaries were celebrated, & the CFF novitiate was prepared to welcome a new Read More ...Read More »

June 25, marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Friar Casimir CYPHER, OFM Conv. (December 1, 1941- June 25, 1975). We continue to pray for the canonization of Friar Casimir. He is being promoted as an icon of Gospel commitment because Read More ...Read More »

The following is a reflection by Friar Wayne Mulei who is making his Solemn Profession of vows on Friday, August 2nd. Will Frodo ever find Tolkien? As I have been approaching the date of when I will, by God’s grace, Read More ...Read More »

On Saturday, June 8, 2024, Father Victor Abegg, our Minister Provincial, celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving for 50 Years of Priesthood. The Mass took place at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Pismo Beach, CA., where Father Victor had served Read More ...Read More »

As the postulancy year ends, the postulancy directors blessed them and gave the postulants a new set of breviaries for the novitiate and thereafter. “Postulancy” is the first year of initial formation in the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, a Read More ...Read More »

Sunday, April 19, 2024, is Pentecost when we celebrate the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus. Pentecost Sunday concludes the Easter season and celebrates the birth of the Church. The following is a Read More ...Read More »

Friar John Heinz visited the parish of Our Lady of Solitude in Soledad, CA., on the weekend of May 4 and May 5 to do a Mission Appeal on behalf of our Vietnam Mission.  This year our Vietnam Mission will Read More ...Read More »

Fr. Thomas Czeck OFM Conv., National Spiritual Assistant of the Militia of the Immaculata Presents: Mary And The Holy Spirit in the writings of St. Maximilian Kolbe Mary has a unique connection with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We celebrate Read More ...Read More »

California Institution for Men (CIM) participated in the Get on the Bus event offered this spring. The California Men’s Colony (CMC) had 20 incarcerated persons and 70 family members participate in the event. Transportation was provided for the family members Read More ...Read More »

From February 27 to March 17, 2024, three friars from the Franciscan Vietnam Mission joined a program called “The Pilgrimage of Rome-Assisi”. The friars are Dominic Nguyen Van Tien, John Baptist Nguyen Ngoc Dien, and Peter Nguyen Ngoc Duy. Assisi Read More ...Read More »

On Sunday, February 25, 2024, Father Alphonse Van Guilder, OFM Conv celebrated the 60th anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood with a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Pismo Beach, CA, where he is Read More ...Read More »

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Greetings, blessings, and welcome! The friars and I offer you Easter prayers. We look forward to the lengthy Easter season with the hope that you and yours will be strengthened in the wonderful light Read More ...Read More »

Sunday, March 24, 2024, begins Holy Week. We celebrate Palm Sunday of the Passion of The Lord when Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem. It leads us through the Last Supper and the crucifixion of the Lord and ends on Read More ...Read More »

When spending time in prayer, we strive to live out our deep desire to grow closer to God and to receive what God longs to give all of us: God’s unconditional love. Prayer, then, is the courage to listen to Read More ...Read More »

On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis receiving the stigmata (1224-2024), The Custody of St. Francis Anthony Fasani in Vietnam organized a seminar with speaker Friar Thomas Nguyen Đinh Anh Nhue, OFMConv., and the participation of many Read More ...Read More »

The Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross, also known as the Way of Sorrows or the Via Crucis is a familiar Lent practice for many Catholics, a closer look at this Lent tradition reveals surprising connections Read More ...Read More »

The season of Lent is when we as individuals and as a community prepare for the mysteries of Easter (Sunday, March 31). We do this through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Join our friars, serving in varied ministries throughout our province, Read More ...Read More »

Ash Wednesday, on February 14, 2014, marks the beginning of Lent for Catholics. The ashes received on our forehead in the shape of a cross serve as an outward sign of our sinfulness and need for penance. The ashes also Read More ...Read More »

At 9:30 AM, on January 27th, 2024 the Profession Mass took place in Christ’s King Parish – Ban Me Thuot Diocese of the Conventual Franciscans’ Novices. Their name are Timothy Le Hieu Thuan, John Baptist Mary Tran Khac Cong. In Read More ...Read More »

On December 30, 2023, Friar Giu-se Nguyễn Chính Luận, OFM Conv., a member of the Custody of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani in Vietnam, presided over the 70th Wedding Anniversary Mass for his parents, one week earlier than the official date Read More ...Read More »

Father Tuan Nguyen, the associate pastor at our St. Paul Parish in San Pablo, is famous for his decorating talents. This year in honor of the 800th Anniversary of Christmas at Greccio, he created this stunningly beautiful nativity scene in Read More ...Read More »

On behalf of the Friars of Saint Joseph of Cupertino Province of California and the Friars of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani Custody in Vietnam, we wish you and your loved ones a very Merry and Blessed Christmas! May the peace Read More ...Read More »

The Friars from St. Paul Parish in San Pablo enthusiastically inaugurated the Greccio Plenary Indulgence with a Mass on December 7th. They will keep the nativity scene in the church until February 2nd. Fr. Angel presided at the Mass. Our Lady Read More ...Read More »

In celebration of 800 years since the Church approved of the Rule of St. Francis, the Franciscan Family requested and received a unique way for Catholics to get a plenary indulgence. From December 8, 2023 the Solemnity of the Immaculate Read More ...Read More »

It is the season of Advent, a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. Like Mary between the time Read More ...Read More »

On Saturday, December 2, 2023, the Provincial Custody of St. Francis Anthony Fasany rejoiced to have two new priests. The Most Reverend Dominic Cau Van Dang, Bishop of Thai Binh Diocese, presided over the mass and ordained Friar Joseph Vuong Read More ...Read More »

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we give God all glory and praise. When Jesus instituted the Eucharist, he established it as an act of thanksgiving. “Eucharist” is derived from the Greek word “eucharisteo” meaning “to give thanks.” Our Catholic faith teaches Read More ...Read More »

On October 7, at the Past Grand Knight banquet for the Los Crusados Knights of Columbus Council 1990, Father Peter Mallin, O.F.M. Conv. was awarded the “Good Shepherd Award” for his 25 years as a council chaplain. Congratulations to Fr. Read More ...Read More »

This annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States is dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering Read More ...Read More »

On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the Knights of Columbus of the St. Maximilian Kolbe Council held their annual fundraiser and silent auction to benefit the education of the Province’s student Friars. The event took place in the parish hall of Read More ...Read More »

California Men’s Colony (CMC) Catholic Chaplain John Farao sponsors a new kind of self-help group for abuse survivors. The group offers another mental health and rehabilitation resource for the incarcerated population who survived abuse as children. For several months, Farao Read More ...Read More »

Here is the letter from the Latin Patriarch calling for a global day of prayer and fasting. “Since he is not the God of disorder but of peace” (1 Cor. 14,33) Dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord indeed give Read More ...Read More »

Friar Dominic Hoàng Thành Nghĩa visited the mother Province for three weeks, taking a vacation from his ministry as Novice Master in the Custody of Vietnam.  He visited most of the Friaries in California and assisted with three Mission Appeals. The Friars Read More ...Read More »

The annual Province retreat was held the week of September 18 – 22 at the Jesuit El Retiro Retreat House in Los Altos, CA. The retreat director was Father John Auther, S.J.Read More »

Sunday, September 24, is a special day set aside to honor priesthood in the United States. It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priest as central to the life of the Church. We are Read More ...Read More »

The feast day of Francis of Assisi is October 4. To prepare for the feast day, our friends at Franciscan Media are offering nine days of reflections and prayers that will help deepen your devotion to St Francis. The novena Read More ...Read More »

Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv. is now in residence at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Hermosa Beach CA.  Fr. Marek was so gracious to do a Q&A with us and here’s what he shared: What is your current mission? And do Read More ...Read More »

Each year on September 1, the Catholic Church commemorates the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This day of prayer also marks the beginning of a month-long ecumenical awareness initiative known as the “Season of Creation,” which concludes Read More ...Read More »

On the Feast of Saint Maximiliano Kolbe, August 14, 2023, the Provincial Custody of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani joyfully celebrated the mass of the first profession of vows for six novices. Friar Joseph TRẦN (Văn Long), Custos of the Provincial Read More ...Read More »

From August 7 to 11, 2023, friars of the Custody of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani were gathering at Saint Anthony Seminary in Binh Duong province to have Custodial Community Week. The theme of the Community Week was “Fraternity and Synodality Read More ...Read More »

All friars spend one year as a novice in spiritual preparation for the profession of the vows.  At the conclusion of the year of novitiate, the friar novice makes his First Profession of the Vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience Read More ...Read More »

On July 31, 2023, in the context of Evening Prayer, the Friars of St. Joseph of Cupertino Friary and St. Maximilian Kolbe Friary gathered for the ceremony of the Institution of Reader for Friar Vu. Friar Vu is currently spending Read More ...Read More »

 On the weekend of July 1st and 2nd, Friars John Farao, Tammylee Ngo, Đoàn Minh Vũ and John Heinz teamed up for a weekend Appeal on behalf of the Mission in Vietnam at Old Mission, San Luis Obispo.  Read More »

On July 7, 2023, two men were officially welcomed into the CFF Postulancy Program and two postulants were welcomed back to the program.  The Rite of Beginning Fraternity was held at the CFF Formation House located at St. Bonaventure Friary, Read More ...Read More »

Each year the friars of the Province gather for Community Week. This year’s Community Week was held at the Serra Retreat House in Malibu, CA. Two days were devoted to the study of Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si, under the Read More ...Read More »

Fr. Tom Czeck was ordained to the Presbyterate at St. Patrick Seminary in Menlo Park on June 20, 1998. He will celebrate his 25th Anniversary of ordination at St. Paul’s in Pismo Beach on Sunday, June 25th at 2:00 pm Read More ...Read More »

On June 17th and 18th, Friar John Heinz visited the parish of St. Paul in Sacramento to make an Appeal on behalf of our Mission in Vietnam.Read More »

On June 13, we remember Saint Anthony of Padua, a Franciscan Friar born on August 5, 1195, in Lisbon, Portugal by the name of Fernando de Boullion. St. Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of lost and stolen articles, Read More ...Read More »

On the weekend of June 10th and 11th Padres Luke Vu and John Heinz visited the parish of St. Anthony Claret in Fresno for a Mission Appeal on behalf of our Franciscan Vietnam Mission.  Also included in that weekend was the mission Read More ...Read More »

From May 1 to 25, 2023, two members of the Custody of Central America, Friar Javier Ernesto GUERRA and the Vice Postulator, Friar Juan Alonzo PAGOADA ACOSTA, visited the communities where Friar Casimir CYPHER faithfully gave witness to the Gospel. Read More ...Read More »

Sunday, May 28, is Pentecost. We celebrate the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus. Pentecost Sunday concludes the Easter season and celebrates the birth of the Church. In the following audio podcast, Friar Read More ...Read More »

On May 6, 2023, Friar Wayne Mulei graduated from the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, TX. He received his Certificate of Pre-Theology. Friar Wayne will begin priesthood studies at the Catholic University of America this Fall. Congratulations Friar Read More ...Read More »

On Sunday, April 30, 2023, the feast of the Good Shepherd, most of the dioceses in Vietnam hold a festival to promote vocations at the pastoral center of the diocese. Here, seminaries and religious congregations are invited to participate to Read More ...Read More »

During the journey to Emmaus, the two disciples recognized Jesus as he broke the bread and gave it to them. Then they immediately returned with joy to Jerusalem to announce the good news of the Risen Lord with other disciples. Read More ...Read More »

This Sunday, 30 April 2023, the fourth Sunday of Easter, is the 60th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” The purpose of this day is to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord Read More ...Read More »

From April 18-20, 2023, the leadership of the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) met for their Spring Assembly in St. Bonaventure Friary in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Among the topics discussed was a further collaboration among the Jurisdictions, initial and continuing formation Read More ...Read More »

On April 10, 2023, Monday in the Octave of Easter, the Custody of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani organized a picnic day for the brothers at Vung Tau beach. The two participating friaries were the brothers at the Annunciation Friary, consisting Read More ...Read More »

Easter 2023 Dear Friars, Benefactors, and Friends of the Franciscan Friars, Greetings and prayers for an abundance of blessings at this solemn and sacred time.  May He Who offered Himself to incredible suffering and death lift any fear and uncertainty Read More ...Read More »

California Men’s Colony (CMC) Catholic Chaplain, Father J. Farao, sponsors a kind of self-help group within CMC’s West Facility that would have been unthinkable in the macho prison culture of years past. Over the past several months, Father Farao has Read More ...Read More »

The Stations of the Cross walk us through the journey Jesus took from his condemnation to his death. It is a beautiful and solemn way of remembering our Lord’s sacrifices during Lent.  Our Friends at Franciscan Voice posted several Stations Read More ...Read More »

Friar Angel Garcia was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, March 25, 2023, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, by our confrere, Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington, KY. The ordination was held in St. Paul Read More ...Read More »

FRIAR ANGEL GARCIA OFM CONV. will be ordained a priest on Saturday, March 25, 2023. The ordination of Friar Angel Garcia to the Presbyterate will take place at noon at St Paul Catholic Church in San Pablo. Friar John Stowe Read More ...Read More »

On February 23, 1958, Father Ronald Olson, the first Minister Provincial of our Province of Saint Joseph of Cupertino, was ordained to the priesthood. Throughout those 65 years, Father Ronald has served as a parish priest, teacher, chaplain, and Minister Read More ...Read More »

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd. The season of Lent is when we as individuals and as a community prepare for the mysteries of Easter. We do this through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Join our friars, serving in varied Read More ...Read More »

On Sunday morning, February 19, 2023, the Custody of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani in Vietnam was joyful to have two friars being ordained to the Priesthood and two friars being ordained to the Diaconate through the imposition of the hands Read More ...Read More »

February marks Black History Month. Friar Douglas McMillan shares the stories of some hidden figures from Black Catholic history in his podcast series on Franciscan Voice. In this episode, he talks about Venerable Pierre Toussaint – a devout Catholic philanthropist Read More ...Read More »

We are almost at the midpoint of the Winter Season. Br. Cristofer Fernandez with Franciscan Voice invites us to follow the example of St. Francis, who found perfect joy in the stillness of winter, slowing down in the silence, and Read More ...Read More »

On Saturday, January 14, 2023, after a three-year pandemic hiatus, the St. Maximilian Kolbe Council of the Knights of Columbus of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Castro Valley, hosted a dinner and silent auction to benefit the Province’s students in Read More ...Read More »

This year is the 800th Anniversary of the Rule of Saint Francis (1223 – November 29 – 2023), which the novices will profess at the end of their novitiate year. From January 9-12, 2023, Friar Bill Short, OFM, one of Read More ...Read More »

The Lunar New Year of 2023 is coming in Vietnam and some Asian Countries. During this time, the Vietnamese usually offer their gratitude to the members of the family, especially to parents, and to benefactors who are often beside them Read More ...Read More »

Pictures of of the Epiphany blessing at Our Lady of Grace School in Castro Valley by Father James Phan, OFM Conv. The blessing was extended to each classroom of teachers and students as they begin a new year, 2023.  Read More »

Join us for a special dinner celebrating the 41st year of the Province of St Joseph of Cupertino. The dinner will take place at Our Lady of Grace in Castro Valley on January 14, 2023, at 6 PM Below is Read More ...Read More »

THE FORMATIVE VISITATION OF FATHER MAXIMILIANUS SEMBIRING, VICAR OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF FORMATION TO VIETNAM Written by Friar Giu-se Nguyễn Chính Luận, OFM Conv. From December 16 to 22, the Custody of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani in Vietnam warmly Read More ...Read More »

On behalf of the Friars of Saint Joseph of Cupertino Province of California and the Friars of Saint Francis Anthony Fasani Custody in Vietnam, we wish you and your loved ones a very Merry and Blessed Christmas! May the peace Read More ...Read More »

The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Jesus Christ is the source of JOY. Without Christ, your heart can Read More ...Read More »

In the late afternoon of December 8, the Solemnity of The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was presided over by Fr. Joseph Luan Chinh Nguyen, with the concelebration of Fr. Joseph Long Van Tran Provincial Custos and the Read More ...Read More »

As per tradition, the blessing of the Nativity scene and lighting of the Christmas tree on the square of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, will take place December 8 on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, at the Read More ...Read More »

On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, the Friars of the Province gathered at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, CA, with Father Victor Abegg, the Minister Provincial, for the funeral of Father Bruce Lamb. At 10:00 A.M., the funeral began with the Read More ...Read More »

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 In this Advent season of preparation, Read More ...Read More »

On Saturday, November 26, 2022, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., the rooms of The Shrine of St. Anthony were filled with families and friends, as the friars of St. Joseph Cupertino Friary hosted the Annual Advent Family Festival. Joined by Read More ...Read More »

+Father Bruce David Lamb, OFM Conv (1947-2022) was a high school teacher in Compton CA, and had completed his BA from UCLA and Masters in Educational Administration when he entered the friars. As a friar, he completed his MDiv at Read More ...Read More »

The Custody of Saint Francis Anthony Fasany in Vietnam was honored to welcome a Fraternal Visitation of father Minister General Carlos Alberto TROVARELLY and father General Assistant Benedict Seung-jae BAEK from November 11 to 20. The visitation was a great Read More ...Read More »

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we give God all glory and praise. May this prayer of thanks help you celebrate the multitude of blessings God has given you. A Prayer of Gratitude “Wherever we are, in every place, at every hour, Read More ...Read More »

Friar Roberto Brandinelli, the Minister Provincial of Saint Anthony of Padua Province in Italy, recently visited his province’s custody in Chile. Father Luke Vu, of our St. Joesph of Cupertino Province, is on a sabbatical to learn Spanish and is Read More ...Read More »

On November 18, 2022, the Friars of St. Joseph of Cupertino Friary and Father Ray Mallett celebrated the first-year anniversary of the Ordination of Father Dien (John Baptist) Nguyen. Three years ago, Father Dien, spent time with us helping with Read More ...Read More »

On his recent trip to Vietnam, Father Carlos Trovarelli, the Minister General, had the opportunity to visit the Friars who minister in Van Mon in the north of Vietnam. The Friars there are involved in the care of lepers, the Read More ...Read More »

Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, Friar Carlos Trovarelli visited our friars in Vietnam in November. Pictured above is Father Carlos with the community of St. Anthony Friary in Saigon. This is our post-novitiate house where the Read More ...Read More »

During the Evening Liturgy on November 1, 2022 in the chapel of St. Bonaventure Friary [Post Novitiate], in Silver Spring, MD, Friar Richard Rome, OFM Conv. was received into the minor orders of Lector and Acolyte, as a gift in Read More ...Read More »

The Custodians of the Holy Land are Franciscans, the Order of Friars Minor, founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. Recently the Catholic Stand did an exclusive interview with Father Alberto Pari, the Holy Land Secretary.  They discuss the role and Read More ...Read More »

November 2nd is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, also known as All Souls Day, a day set aside to pray for all the dead. Novices and Directors at Arroyo Grande honored all the deceased in the Province cemetery. It Read More ...Read More »

After a 3-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, Get On The Bus returned to the California Men’s Colony (CMC) for the first time this October. Fr. John Farao, OFM CONV. has been delegated to help the inmates with the Read More ...Read More »

There is a divine movement happening at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Hermosa Beach and it will positively impact the faith of individuals and families in the OLG community and all aspects of parish life! For many years OLG has Read More ...Read More »

In October 2022, the leadership of the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) met for six days from October 17 - 22 at Santa Maria Del Mar Retreat Center in Santa Cruz, CA. The CFF meeting was hosted by the St Joseph Read More ...Read More »

This year at the welcoming ceremony for the new postulants in Chicago at St. Bonaventure Friary, we welcome new Postulants. Pictured above are Friar Joe Bayne, James Muzzey, Adam Wozniak, César Perez, and Friar Paul Schneider. The initial stage of Read More ...Read More »

Fr. Ray Mallett, OFM Conv. and Fr Peter Mallin, OFM Conv., began their Pilgrimage to Ireland on Monday, October 17. They will lead a Pilgrim Group of 44 members on an 11-day journey visiting Galway, Marian Shrine of Knock, Ballintubber Read More ...Read More »

Meet the Vietnam Delegation Novice Class for 2022-23. Here is a short video on the day of the Investiture of the Novices. Learn more about The Conventual Franciscan presence in Vietnam  Read More »

On October 4th we celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis, our Founder of the Franciscan Order. Saint Francis of Assisi (1182 – 1226) is the patron saint of Italy, animals, and ecology. During his life, he astounded and inspired the Read More ...Read More »

Friar Joseph Nguyễn Chính Luận OFM Conv. shares how the Vietnam Mission community honored the Feast of Saint Francis this year. Before the feast of Saint Francis, we took the novena of 9 days which had some special kinds of Read More ...Read More »

Mary is our pathway to her son, Jesus. Her life is about a love of a mother and her divine son and their love for us. Mary’s greatness lies in her willingness to continue to bring Jesus to the world. She doesn’t Read More ...Read More »

Our Lady of Grace kicks off their 75th-anniversary celebration on September 17 and continues with many events through September 25. What a wonderful accomplishment to be celebrating!  Let us continue to pray for the Friars serving this parish, the parish Read More ...Read More »

Since the founding of the Mission in Vietnam, the Friars there have done a tremendous job of becoming self-sustaining.  However, since God has blessed us with so many indigenous vocations to become Conventual Franciscan Friar Priests or Brothers, we are still Read More ...Read More »

Friar Luke VŨ, of our Province, took part in the Chile: Formation Week 2022 from August 28 to September 2, 2022. Father Luke VŨ is currently on sabbatical in Chile for the purpose of learning Spanish for future ministry here Read More ...Read More »

Pope Francis begins his message for this year’s Season of Creation (September 1 – October 4) by asking us to listen to the sweet song of creation. We friars have promised to “seek the presence of the ‘Most High, all-powerful, good Read More ...Read More »

On August 6, 2022, Friar Joseph Nguyễn Chính Luận graduated from the Master of Public Policy (MPP) of Fulbright University in Vietnam (FUV). The MPP program is sponsored by the Department State of the United States of America. The school expressed Read More ...Read More »

On May 18, 2022, Pope Francis issued a rescript concerning the possibility of religious brothers exercising authority (even as Major Superiors) in our Order as well as others. This rescript made an exception to Canon 588 §2. The first Jurisdiction Read More ...Read More »

In August 2022, the friar novices were glad to welcome Friar Jacob Carazo, at the post-novitiate formation house in Silver Spring, MD Fr. Jacob is currently serving as the Associate Director of Post-Novitiate Formation at the Order’s post-novitiate house in Read More ...Read More »

Have you ever wondered how to make the ordinary things in your life extraordinary? That is what Friar Casimir Cypher did in his lifetime. On June 16-26, 2022, the friars of the Provincial Custody of Mary, Mother of Mercy in Read More ...Read More »

For the first time in almost two years, the Friars of the Province were able to gather in person for our Community Week. This year’s Community Week was held from July 19th – 23rd at Serra Retreat Center in Malibu, Read More ...Read More »

Friar Wayne Mulei professed his First Vows on July 22nd into the hands of our Minister Provincial, Father Victor Abegg, and in the presence of the assembled Friars during our recent Community Week. Friar Wayne will be reporting to our Read More ...Read More »

In the presence of the Friars and their families, Friar Angel Garcia and Friar Christopher Garcia professed their Solemn Vows for life on August 2, 2021. The Mass of Religious Profession was held at our parish of Our Lady of Read More ...Read More »

Fr. Peter Mallin, Chaplain at Little Company Hospital in Torrance, is the first Friar of the Province to receive the Covid vaccine, on December 20th.Read More »

Two celebrations on two different continents, a diaconal ordination and a graduation. Friar Dominic Hoang Thanh Nghia was ordained a transitional deacon by Archbishop Marco Tasca at the Sanctuary of the Vision – Camposampiero (Padua). Friar Dominic was not able Read More ...Read More »

On July 12, 2020, the new novitiate class of novices began their canonical year. Because of the pandemic, the novices were invested in their home provinces prior to arriving in Arroyo Grande. The St. Joseph of Cupertino novice, Friar Wayne Read More ...Read More »

Friar Angel Garcia, OFM Conv, one of our students studying in San Antonio, TX, renewed his temporary vows for a period of 15 months in the hands of our Minister Provincial, Father Victor Abegg, OFM Conv. Friar Angel is completing Read More ...Read More »

The Franciscan Friars Conventual raise our voices in solidarity with all people of good will in grieving the death of George Floyd.  In the wake of his killing, we echo humanity’s plea for justice, reconciliation, unity, and peace.  May God Read More ...Read More »

Click here to view PDF of  Easter Reflections Easter 2020 Dear Friars, Benefactors and Friends of the Franciscans, Greetings and prayers for an abundance of blessings at this solemn and sacred time.  May He Who offered Himself to incredible suffering Read More ...Read More »

Saint Paul Church at San Pablo, CA Daily mass in English at 2:00PM and 3:00PM in Spanish through our Facebook Page. On Wenesday right after mass in Spanish we have Adoration and on Fridays we are having the Way of Read More ...Read More »

Our Friars in the Vietnam Delegation were blessed with the visitation of Father Victor Abegg, OFM.Conv. Our Minister Provincial had the opportunity to spend most of the month with ours Friars and students. He was able to participate in their Read More ...Read More »

I love being with the Franciscans. All is still going well here in postulancy. My whole class recently returned to Chicago after going back home for Christmas. Though it was nice being visiting my Dad and little brother, I am Read More ...Read More »

After many months of anticipation, on July 20, 2019, a happy festival is celebrated, many parishioners were present to celebrate Mass at the new church in Lo 6. Everyone welcomed Bishop Joseph Nguyen Tan Tuoc, the Bishop of Phu Cuong Read More ...Read More »

On Oct. 4, 2019. Annunciation Friary, Vietnam celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi with 50 present — 20 Postulants & 30 Professed.Read More »

The St. Joseph of Cupertino Friary and Provincialate hosted the leadership of the Conventual Franciscan Federation of the United States, Great Britain/Ireland, Canada and Australia for one of their biannual meetings, October 7th through the 11th. After the meetings concluded, Read More ...Read More »

Reverend Jacob Carazo, OFM Conv. installed as Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Pismo Beach, California on Sunday, September 30th, 2019.Read More »

Fr. Luke Vu,, OFM Conv, Delegate to the Vietnam Delegation continues cultivating his mission and ministry during the St. Joseph of Cupertino Feast Day celebrations.  The Vietnam Delegation  currently have twenty-four solemnly professed friars. During the feast celebrations, eleven postulants Read More ...Read More »

Vietnam Mission receives the donation of a van to transport Friars and the good people they minister to Read More ...Read More »

+Brother George Cherrie, O.F.M.Conv. (1936-2019) Brother George Edmond Cherrie, Jr., O.F.M.Conv., passed into the loving embrace of God on Easter, April 21st after a long, eventful and complete life.  He was born February 27, 1936 in Ross, CA, to George, Read More ...Read More »

Our New Postulant House has been dedicated and completed! Thanks be to God, and your help!  Here is a summary of the house: House Description  23 bedrooms with toilets and showers  1 common room  2 reading rooms Read More ...Read More »

Fr. Luke Vu, Provincial Delegate to Vietnam, reports that although there have been heavy rains as of late, great progress has been made on the construction of our new Postulancy Friary in Cu Chi, Vietnam!  The dedication of this new Read More ...Read More »

Vietnam Mission Delegate Friar Luke Vu sent in some photos of the progress of the construction of the new Postulancy Friary in Cu Chi.  Our Friars are doing much of the construction themselves.        Read More »

In August of 2018 Friar Paul Gawlowski, as a member of our Province Definitory (or leadership council),  traveled to Vietnam to receive the first professions and Solemn professions of vows of some of our Friars in Formation, and also to Read More ...Read More »

The Friars at our St. Anthony Center and Orphanage were able to purchase the materials for an after school program with the assistance of a generous grant from the Anthonian Association and many of our friends and benefactors.  The program Read More ...Read More »

In order to better serve the needs of the parish of Our Lady of Grace in Castro Valley, the St. Joseph of Cupertino Province canonically established a new Friary there under the patronage of St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, O.F.M., Conv.  Read More ...Read More »

Last year, the Franciscan Friars of the Vietnam Mission had a bit of a vocation crisis.  They favorably received 26 applications of qualified young Catholic men who wanted to become Conventual Franciscan Friars for the service to the People of Read More ...Read More »

The St. Maximilian Kolbe Council of the Knights of Columbus from Our Lady of Grace parish in Castro Valley, joined the Friars of our St. Joseph of Cupertino Friary in order to meet our student Friars, and our new Minister Read More ...Read More »

On Tuesday, August 7th the Friars, family and friends of the St. Joseph of Cupertino Province gathered at Our Lady of Grace parish in Castro Valley to celebrate the Solemn Profession of Vows of their brother Friar Israel Sebastian Arauz-Rosiles, Read More ...Read More »

On July 28th and 29th, Friars Tammylee Ngo and Joseph Martin Hoang made an Appeal on behalf of the Vietnam Mission at Our Lady of La Vang parish.  They were joined by the Pastor, Fr. Joseph Luan Nguyen, the Rector Read More ...Read More »

With both sadness, and celebration, the friars gathered with the faithful of St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral in Reno, NV to say goodbye and to remember and celebrate the more than 30 years of ministry to the Diocese at the Cathedral Read More ...Read More »

Sixty-six Young Men and women are confirmed into the Catholic faith at our parish in Hermosa Beach CA, Our Lady of Guadalupe. Fr Joe Kim OFM Conv on left is the proud pastor, with Fr. Carlos Morales OFM Conv on Read More ...Read More »

We were recently blessed by a visit from Fr. Luke Vu OFM Conv., Fr. Tammylee Ngo OFM Conv., Fr. Peter Phuoc OFM Conv., and Fr. Anthony Duong OFM Conv. from our Franciscan Vietnam Mission. (Now a Delegation officially, that is Read More ...Read More »

On Thursday April 12, 2018 our Province Chapter elected our new provincial, vicar and definitory. Congratulations to Friar Victor Abegg OFM Conv., our New Minister Provincial, to Friar Jacob Carazo OFM Conv., our New Vicar Provincial, to Friar James Reiter Read More ...Read More »

The Dominican novices from the West Coast Province, along with their Novice Director, Fr. Anthony (serving for 18 years in the position!), passed through our three Franciscan Novitiate houses (Observants, Capuchins and Conventuals) this week to share in the fraternity. Read More ...Read More »

Fr. Ronald Olson was ordained to the Presbyterate by Archbishop William O. Brady at the Cathedral of St. Paul, MN on February 23, 1958. He celebrated his 60th anniversary of ordination at St. Mary of the Assumption parish in Superior, Read More ...Read More »

On Christmas eve, the Friars of the St. Anthony Friary participated in the Christmas vigil Mass at the Ben San Leprosy village.  The Friars provided the choir for the event, and distributed cookies and milk to all in attendance.  The Sisters Read More ...Read More »

The Friars from our Ho Chi Minh city Friary celebrated a Christmas day Mass together at our St. Anthony Friary.  Afterwards they had the now traditional Bar B Que (thank you Fr. John Heinz!)  and exchange of gifts.Read More »

The Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Grace, hosted a fundraiser for the Conventual  Franciscans of California, celebrating 35 years of ministry as the Saint Joseph of Cupertino Province!  We were joined by our Friars of Our Lady of Grace, Read More ...Read More »

Click on the above image to watch a small portion (2-1/2 minutes) of the Solemn Vow Ceremony of Joseph Martin at Our Lady of Guadalupe Chruch in Hermosa Beach, CA. Listen to the Homily at: https://youtu.be/TG0-d1HZv-c  CONGRATULATIONS TO FRIAR JOSEPH MARTIN, Read More ...Read More »

Congratulations to Friar Roberson Maria Lubin from the Saint Joseph of Cupertiono Province of the Conventual Franciscans who was recently honored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio as St. Peter and Paul’s 2017 Volunteer of the Year!  Read More ...Read More »

On August 25, the Most Reverend Giuse Nguyễn Tấn Tước, Bishop of the Phú Cường Diocese, presided over a Mass of Ordination to the Priesthood and the Deaconate. Friars Peter Vũ Bình Quốc and Paul Rafael Lê Đức Chánh to Read More ...Read More »

On Tuesday, August 22nd, Br. Dominic NGUYỄN VĂN TIẾN, Friar Joseph TRẦN VĂN CƯƠNG and Friar Micheal NGUYỄN KHẢI HOÀNG (shown above) made Solemn Profession of Vows as Conventual Franciscan Friars Minor, and Friars Jerom VŨ THÁI HỌC, John Baptist TRẦN VĂN HƯỚNG, Joseph LÊ PHẠM VIẾT HOÀNG, Read More ...Read More »

Come to the Solemn Profession of Vows for Friar Joseph Martin Gia Hoang, on August 2, 7PM,  in Hermosa Beach, CA (Near Los Angeles)! At the same ceremony, Chris Garcia and Angel Garcia will be making their first profession of Read More ...Read More »

Welcome to our 12 Newest Conventual Francsicans!  On July 19, 2017 in our chapel at St. Francis Friary in Arroyo Grande, CA, our current 6 Novices were sent back to their respective provinces, and our 12 postulants, after completing their Read More ...Read More »

Eight men from the United States, one from Canada, and on friar returning for a second year of postulancy make up this year’s class of Postulants at our friary in Chicago, IL. They will live this year in community being Read More ...Read More »

Welcome Mr. Wayne Mulei and Mr. James O’Donvon to our St. Joseph of Cupertino Province!  Wayne and James were welcomed to our province at our annual Community Week celebration on June 29, 2017 on the Feast of Saints Peter and Read More ...Read More »

Friars John Farao OFM Conv., and Alfonso Borgen OFM Conv., renewed their vows during a Mass at our annual Community Week at St. Joseph of Cupertino Friary in Castro Valley, CA.  Friar John is celebrating 30 years of solemn profession Read More ...Read More »

With Great Joy for God's Church we are Blessed to Announce the Profession of Vows for our Friars in the St. Joseph of Cupertino Province: Professing Solemn Vows:Friar Jospeh Martin Gia Hoang OFM Conv.  Making First Profession of Vows:Friar Angel Garcia OFM Read More ...Read More »

Announcing the candidates and dates for the upcoming ordinations to the diaconate and the priesthood in our Franciscan Vietnam Mission! Ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons Cadidates:  Fra Joseph Pio Trần Văn Dương Fra Joseph Maria Trần Văn Long Read More ...Read More »

This is the Statue of Our Lady surrounded by Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco Marto, in our Conventual Franciscan Parish, St. Paul the Apostle in Pismo Beach, CA. I was blessed to visit and hear Fr. Allen Ramirez OFM Conv. preach Read More ...Read More »

Most of our Friars receive advanced degrees in Theology to either minister as a Priest or a Brother. But many of our friars are still receiving their undergraduate degrees!  Congratulations to both Friar Joseph Cupertino Nhuong (pictured on the left) Read More ...Read More »

You are invited to share an evening with us, get to know some of our Friars, and re-connect to some you may already know! Please consider this opportunity to join us, at our Friary in the Central Coast of California. Read More ...Read More »

The Friars gather at the rally before the “Walk for Life” in San Francisco, Jan 21, 2017 and listen to several talks, including Tim Tebow’s Mother, Pam. Pam shared that the pregnancy with Tim was a “problem pregnancy”. The family Read More ...Read More »

The friars began the new year, reconnecting with each other, and praying together while on retreat at St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, CA on the week of Jan 2 – 6, 2017.  The time of year allowed Read More ...Read More »

After ten years of work by the Friars of the Our Lady Help of Christians Delegation in Australia, and the Friars of the St. Joseph of Cupertino Province of California, and many Friars worldwide, the Delegation of Vietnam reached a milestone in their progress.  Read More ...Read More »

On August 9, 2016, four of our postulants were invested in the habit of probation as novices. This ceremony took place at the Order’s international novitiate in Tagatay, Philippines. The international novitiate services several of the Order’s missions in Asia. Read More ...Read More »

On Thursday, July 21, 2016, seven novices professed their Simple or First Vows into the hands of their respective Provincials during the Mass of Religious Profession in St. Paul the Apostle Church, Pismo Beach, CA. The newly professed represent the Read More ...Read More »

On Wednesday, July 20, 2016, seven young men representing the Provinces of Our Lady of Consolation, St. Joseph of Cupertino, and Our Lady of the Angels were invested with the habit of probation beginning their canonical year of Novitiate. This Read More ...Read More »

The Conventual Franciscans of NORTH AMERICA are pleased to be celebrating our First Profession of Vows, and Investiture, for all the 4 provinces of the United States, including friars from Canada and Australia, this coming July 20 and 21st, 2016!  The Read More ...Read More »

Brother Bob spent his early days in the Conventual Franciscan community working in the print/mediaministry. He taught English and Religion at Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, CA from 1975 to1988. Bob moved to San Pablo, CA, and was much Read More ...Read More »

Friar Francis Bao Nguyen professed his First Vows into the hands of our Minister, Fr. John Heinz, on January 13, 2016. The ceremony took place in our parish of St. Paul in Pismo Beach. Many friars, both Conventual and Capuchin, Read More ...Read More »