The Franciscan friars in Ireland are gathering for their Provincial Chapter this week, 25-30 June, in the Franciscan College, Gormanston.

Over 90 friars will pray, reflect and plan the path ahead, and also chose a new leadership team.

This Chapter takes place every three years.

Please pray for us that the Spirit of the Lord may enlighten us and give us all renewed joy in our Gospel calling!

This is the prayer that Saint Francis composed for the Order, asking from God the gift of faithfulness by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God

Grant us in our misery the grace to do

For your sake alone what we know you want us to do

And always to desire what pleases you.

Thus inwardly cleansed,

Interiorly enlightened

And enflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit

We may be able to follow in the footprints

Of your beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus

And so make our way to you, Most High,

By your grace alone

Who live and reign

In perfect Trinity and in simple unity

One all-powerful God, forever and ever. Amen.