We in the Church, and many others throughout the world mourn the loss of our beloved Universal Pastor, Pope Francis. Pope Francis reminded the Franciscan friars that we are called to be ‘little before God’ and to ‘get out of ourselves, out of our own agendas and personal views’ and ‘to go beyond structures’ in the service of the Gospel (Address to the General Chapter of Friars Minor, 2015).

Pope Francis demonstrated beautifully that a vocation to service in the Church is lived out to the end. Pope Francis encouraged those who undertook a vocation or ministry in the Church to have ‘smell of the sheep’. Although the late Pope was a Jesuit, he had a great sensitivity to the Franciscan Way. 

An early account of the Franciscan friars describes our work as ‘healing wounds’, ‘uniting what has fallen apart’ and ‘bringing home those who have lost their way’. We have seen Pope Francis express these very values many times. The Franciscan friars try to live up to this Gospel-inspired mission, making a particular commitment to prayer and fraternity, and to minority: being ‘little before God’. 

The Good Shepherd, the Risen Lord, is calling others to take on the yoke of ministry and evangelization, so much needed in our world today. 

The Franciscans will host a Vocation Discernment Weekend in May for some of the men who have been discerning with us over the past weeks and months. Please keep them in your prayers and please continue to pray to the Lord of the Harvest, to send labourers into His harvest.

May the Lord give you Peace!

If you are interested in the Franciscan way of life please contact:
Friar Liam Kelly OFM
Phone:  087 396 0262 
Email: irishfranciscansofm@gmail.com 
Postal address: Franciscan Friary, Ennis, Co Clare.