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.