The Third Order of Penance of St. Francis

Sunday February 19 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2012-01-22T12:41:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday February 19 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto. During this time, the fraternity will conduct a presentation to promote the Third Order.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Order of Penance and of Joy - V

2012-01-12T07:54:00.001-05:00

Here is Part V and the final part of this series. The article is taken from the June 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

Sunday January 15 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2012-01-09T07:58:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday January 15 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

Felix Dies Nativitatis!

2011-12-25T00:05:00.001-05:00

I wish you all a most blessed Christmas!

Three Novices and a Cordbearer

2011-12-18T20:47:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

I am happy to announce that this afternoon the Fraternity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary received three postulants into the novitiate and added a cordbearer. Deo gratias!

It was a long day, but it was well worth it. After a fraternity luncheon, Br. Francis, Br. Solanus, and Sr. Aniela received the habit. They will now spend at least a year putting the Rule into practice and determining whether the Order of Penance is right for them. Also, Br. Julietto received the cord of St. Francis and is now a member of the Archconfraternity of the Cord of St. Francis. What a special Christmas gift Our Lord, through the Seraphic Father, has given us.

Please pray for the novices and cordbearer that they may truly live out their lives as children of our holy Father Francis.

In the Seraphic Father.

I Am the Immaculate Conception

2011-12-08T07:40:00.000-05:00

I wish you all a most blessed Feast of the Immaculate Conception!

Remember that all tertiaries and cordbearers may obtain a plenary indulgence this day.

The Order of Penance and of Joy - IV

2011-12-06T07:44:00.000-05:00

Here is Part IV of this series. The article is taken from the May 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

Feast of All Saints of the Seraphic Order

2011-11-29T00:05:00.014-05:00

+ Pax et Bonum +

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Secular of St. Francis,

I wish you all a most blessed Feast of all Franciscan Saints!

Tertiaries may receive a plenary indulgence this day under the usual conditions.

Also, we begin today the Novena for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Order of Penance and of Joy - III

2011-11-24T07:49:00.000-05:00

Here is Part III of this series. The article is taken from the April 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

Capuchins - Church Militant

2011-11-22T07:48:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Br. Fernando from Argentina sent me a link to a news article with a picture of some of our Capuchins protesting some blasphemous play.

This is Capuchin - militant style! God bless them.

In the Seraphic Father.

A Thought for the Day

2011-11-21T07:56:00.001-05:00

Taken from the January 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

Let Us Fast for Advent

2011-11-20T19:54:00.001-05:00

+ Pax et Bonum +

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Secular of St. Francis,

In former days, our Franciscan tertiaries would fast throughout the Season of Advent in preparation for the coming of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, united to a soul and body, into this world. Therefore, in preparation for Christmas and in light of recent events, I ask that you join me in fasting from Mondays to Saturdays starting November 28 to December 24 for these two principal intentions:

1) To make reparation to the Baby Jesus for the scandal of Assisi III,
2) For the restoration of all four Franciscan Orders of the Novus Ordo religion to Catholic Tradition.

These two intentions should hold a dear place in our heart. What happened in Assisi (the hometown of our Seraphic Father) this past October 27 was a grave offence against the honour of God, especially scandalous for the fact that it was committed by the Pope and Church hierarchy. Let us also keep in mind that it was in the very sanctuary of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels that a pagan was permitted to sing praise to his false god - the very same Basilica that contains the Porziuncola. The Porziuncola is the very chapel which St. Francis and the first friars lived. It is the fourth most venerated church in all of Christendom. Therefore, in addition to the mortal sin against the First Commandment, our Holy Father Francis' name was dragged through the mud. You and I know that he would never have approved of that sacrilegious and blasphemous event. The Franciscan Friars (historically known as "Observants") who control the Basilica were in full support of this abomination. As a matter of fact, all Ministers General of the four Franciscan branches of the First Order and the Minister General of the Secular Franciscan Order were all in support of the event as I proven in a previous post.

My friends, if it is not incumbent upon us to make satisfaction for this event, then upon whose shoulders must this weight be carried? Please let us join together and offer up reparation as our vocation calls us to do.

In the Seraphic Father.

P.S., Please feel free to add your own private intentions. I would also appreciate a response as to whether you will be joining in.

Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the Third Order of St. Francis

2011-11-19T00:05:00.010-05:00

I wish you all a most blessed feast day, but especially to my tertiary sisters all over the world. Keep on praying for the restoration of the Third Order to Catholic Tradition. Your prayers will not be for naught!

Please see here a short article on our holy Patroness published in the November 1913 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

Sunday December 18 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2011-11-12T13:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday December 18 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

Novena to St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the Third Order

2011-11-10T07:34:00.000-05:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Secular of St. Francis,

The Novena to St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the Third Order, begins today.

In the Seraphic Father.

Litany of St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, graciously hear us.

O God the Father, of heaven: have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world: have mercy upon us.
O God, the Holy Ghost: have mercy upon us.
O Holy Trinity, one God: have mercy upon us.

Holy Mary: Pray for us.
Immaculate Virgin: Pray for us.
Mother and Mistress of our Order: Pray for us.

St. Elizabeth, Princess of Hungary: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, Duchess of Thuringia: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, mother in Israel: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, queen in the Kingdom of God: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, consoler of sinners: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, nurse of lepers: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, devoted wife of Louis the Good: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, famous exemplar of Christian widowhood: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, fervent spouse of the Son of God: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, humble in prosperity: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, patient in adversity: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, mighty in penance: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, wondrous in prayer: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, first-born of the tertiaries regular: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, protectress of our Order: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, the "dear saint" of Holy Church: Pray for us.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: spare us, O Lord.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: graciously hear us, O Lord.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O blessed Elizabeth. Alleluia.
R. That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Alleluia.

Let us pray: Merciful Lord, we pray Thee to pour the bright beams of Thy grace into our hearts: that, by the glorious prayers of Thy Saint Elizabeth, we may learn to despise all worldly prosperity, and ever to rejoice in all Heavenly consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer was taken from here.

Br. Peter of Alcantara Passes On to His Eternal Reward

2011-11-09T08:02:00.002-05:00

+ Pax et Bonum +

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Secular of St. Francis,

I have been asked to send a request for prayers for the repose of the soul of Br. Peter Alcantara of St. Mary Magdalene Chapel in Mexico, Missouri who passed on to his eternal reward on November 7. Please be generous in answering this request.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Order of Penance and of Joy - II

2011-11-07T07:42:00.001-05:00

Here is Part II of this series. The article is taken from the March 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

A Thought for the Day

2011-11-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

Taken from the March 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Third Order and Social Reform - V

2011-11-04T07:58:00.000-04:00

This article is from the December 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald. This concludes this series of articles on the "Third Order and Social Reform".

In the Seraphic Father.

All Saints Day

2011-11-01T08:00:00.002-04:00

I wish you all a most blessed feast day.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Third Order and Social Reform - IV

2011-10-31T00:05:00.002-04:00

This article is from the November 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

Feast of Christ the King

2011-10-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

May Our Lord reign over all individuals, families, and states.

In the Seraphic Father.

Reparation for this Day

2011-10-27T00:05:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends,

In reparation for the abomination that is taking place this day in Assisi, Italy, please join me in fasting and consoling Our Lord.

May God have mercy on us.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Third Order and Social Reform - III

2011-10-26T07:40:00.000-04:00

This article is from the October 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Third Order and Social Reform - II

2011-10-25T07:40:00.000-04:00

This article is from the August 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Third Order and Social Reform - I

2011-10-24T07:39:00.002-04:00

This article is from the July 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

St. Francis's Ideal of Social Reform

2011-10-23T11:49:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Today I begin the posting of a series of articles regarding the work of social reform called upon by the popes, especially Leo XIII, of the Third Order Secular of St. Francis. Whereas the primary purpose of the Third Order Secular is the sanctification of the individual, to stick only to this purpose would not be fulfilling the mandate that the popes of the late 19th and 20th centuries (prior to Vatican II) imposed upon tertiaries. As Pope Leo XIII had once said, "My plan for social reform is the Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis." The Rule and Constitutions of the Third Order Secular of St. Francis make it clear that tertiaries have a duty to spread the Kingdom of Jesus Christ on this earth. Let us keep this important point in mind as we approach the Feast of the Kingship of Christ (October 30).

The first article is entitled "St. Francis's Ideal of Social Reform". It is taken from the September 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father

Traditional Franciscan Calendar

2011-10-22T10:53:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Our Brothers and Sisters in St. Mary's, Kansas have a website about the Saints and Blessed of the Francsican Orders as well as other Saints. They also have posted the Traditional Franciscan calendar.

Let's us offer prayers in thanksgiving for the great resource that they have provided us.

In the Seraphic Father.

A Thought for the Day

2011-10-21T07:57:00.000-04:00

Taken from the April 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

A Thought for the Day

2011-10-20T07:55:00.000-04:00

Taken from the February 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

Two More Cordbearers

2011-10-16T19:07:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

I am happy to announce that the Archconfraternity of the Cord of St. Francis attached to the Fraternity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary grew in numbers this afternoon. Br. Francis and Sr. Clara Philomena received the cord in a ceremony presided by Fr. Freddy Mery. Deo gratias! This brings the total number of cordbearers attached to our fraternity to ten.

Please pray that these new cordbearers will one day be called to the Third Order.

In the Seraphic Father.

A Thought for the Day

2011-10-12T07:59:00.000-04:00

Taken from the February 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

A Thought for the Day

2011-10-10T10:50:00.000-04:00

Taken from the January 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

A Thought for the Day

2011-10-06T07:44:00.000-04:00

Taken from the February 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi - The Seraphic Father

2011-10-04T00:05:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

I wish you a blessed day on this most beautiful feast of the Seraphic Father, St. Francis of Assisi. Please pray with us today the Litany of St. Francis taken from the Fifteenth Edition of "The Tertiaries Companion" compiled by Rev. Vincent Schrempp, O.F.M., and published by B. Herder Book Co. in 1941.

In the Seraphic Father.

A Thought for the Day

2011-10-02T10:38:00.000-04:00

Taken from the March 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

Sunday October 16 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2011-10-01T16:53:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday October 16 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

First Traditional Tertiaries of Japan

2011-09-30T07:53:00.004-04:00

Dear Friends,

I have great news! The first Franciscan tertiaries in Tradition (under the Capuchins of Morgon) have taken on the habit in Tokyo, Japan. Deo gratias! Br. Franciscus Maria and Sr. Clara Maria (husband and wife) were received as novices into the Third Order Secular of St. Francis by Fr. Daniel Couture, SSPX District Superior of Asia. This happened on Sunday September 25 at the Japanese Martyrs' Mass Center. Below are a few pictures of the ceremony.

It warms my heart to see the Faith spread to places where the Catholic Church has not made much ground over the course of the last 2,000 years. May God use Brother and Sister to spread the true Catholic Faith in Japan.

Please pray for these souls that after one year they may become professed members and devote themselves to the Seraphic Father for the rest of their lives.

In the Seraphic Father.

St. Francis Gives Us Another Professed Tertiary Sister

2011-09-29T07:45:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends,

I am happy to announce that on Friday September 23, Sr. Elizabeth Joseph made her profession into the Third Order Secular of St. Francis. Deo gratias! The ceremony was performed by Fr. Richard Boyle, SSPX, at St. Jude's Parish in Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Below are two pictures with Sr. Elizabeth Joseph in the middle in the second picture along with two tertiary novices, Sr. Maximilia Marie and Sr. Teresa Pia. Please pray that one day soon they may be able to form their own fraternity as only three professed members are required to do so.

I also ask you to please pray for Fr Young, the pastor of St. Jude's, as he is having health problems.

In the Seraphic Father.

Br. Edward Takes on the Cord

2011-09-25T20:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

I am happy to announce that earlier today Br. Edward from Northern Ontario received the cord of St. Francis and so becomes another member of the Archconfraternity of the Cord of St. Francis connected to the Fraternity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Deo gratias! The ceremony was conducted by Fr. Freddy Mery, Director of the Third Order Secular of St. Francis in Canada.

Please pray that Br. Edward may grow to love St. Francis and become a tertiary once he is old enough.

In the Seraphic Father.

Novena to St. Francis

2011-09-25T13:37:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

The novena to St. Francis of Assisi begins today in preparation for the Feast of St. Francis on Tuesday October 4. You can download here a few prayers that you may say for this novena.

As a reminder, tertiaries are obliged by the Rule to fast on October 3. Whereas it is acceptable to partially abstain from meat, it is better to abstain from flesh meat altogether on this day in the spirit of the tertiaries who did so prior to the promulgation of the 1917 Code of Canon Law. Let us keep in mind that the Rule of Pope Leo XIII only requires two days of fasting (the second is the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception), so fasting and abstaining from flesh meat on both these days is a small sacrifice.

In the Seraphic Father.

A Thought for the Day

2011-09-21T07:35:00.000-04:00

Taken from the February 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

New Postulants for Our Fraternity

2011-09-18T19:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

I am happy to announce that during our meeting earlier today, our fraternity received three new postulants (two brothers and a sister). Deo gratias!

Please pray that these souls may be blessed to be received into the novitiate and eventually make their profession.

In the Seraphic Father.

A Thought for the Day

2011-09-18T00:05:00.001-04:00

Taken from the March 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

Commemoration of the Stigmata of St. Francis

2011-09-17T15:05:00.000-04:00

The Order of Penance and of Joy - I

2011-09-16T07:43:00.002-04:00

Here is an article taken from the February 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

Sunday September 18 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2011-08-31T17:50:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday September 18 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

Modification of the Rule of the Third Order

2011-08-29T07:28:00.000-04:00

An article taken from the March 1915 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Spirit of the Third Order

2011-08-26T07:41:00.002-04:00

An article taken from the May 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

Feast of St. Louis IX, Patron of the Third Order

2011-08-25T00:05:00.000-04:00

A blessed feast day to all!

As a reminder, tertiaries and cordbearers may gain a plenary indulgence this day. Here is an article on St. Louis IX taken from the August 1913 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Rule of the Third Order

2011-08-24T07:30:00.000-04:00

An article taken from the June 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father

Sr. Maria Magdalena Receives Her Clothing

2011-08-23T19:09:00.000-04:00

+ Pax et Bonum +

Dear Friends,

I am happy to announce that Sr. Maria Magdalena has been received into the Third Order Secular of St. Francis by Fr. Goldade, SSPX, at St. Ignatius Retreat House in Ridgefield, Conneticut. Deo gratias!

Please pray for her that she will make her profession next year and grow ever faithful to one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church.

In the Seraphic Father.

St. Maximilian Kolbe and Ecumenism

2011-08-18T08:00:00.004-04:00

“There is no greater enemy of the Immaculata and her Knighthood than today’s ecumenism, which every Knight must not only fight against, but also neutralize through diametrically opposed action and ultimately destroy.”

(St. Maximilian Kolbe, O.F.M. Conventual)

+ Pax et Bonum +

My Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Secular of St. Francis,

Let us take heed of this statement of a true son of St. Francis. Let us in no way make excuses for the abomination that is planned to take place in October of this year at Assisi. Let us pray, rather, that it does not happen. Let us make reparation for this mortal sin against the First Commandment about to be committed by the pope himself, which has been also approved by all the Novus Ordo Franciscan superiors. Let us be true sons of St. Francis and console him, as he is weeping in heaven (if that were possible) that his name is being used to promote such treacherous behaviour. Let us be true Knights of Our Lady.

May Our Lord, through the Immaculata, deliver the Church soon from her enemies.

In the Seraphic Father.

Feast of St. Clare of Assisi

2011-08-12T00:05:00.011-04:00

I hope you all have a wonderful feast day. As a reminder, tertiaries may gain a plenary indulgence this day. Here is an article on St. Clare taken from the August 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Latest Movement for Church Unity

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

An article taken from the May 1913 issue of the Franciscan Herald. What a difference this viewpoint is from that taken by the current Church hierarchy.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Third Order and the Catholic Lay Apostolate

2011-08-04T00:05:00.000-04:00

Here is an article taken from the September 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

Columbus and the Freemasons

2011-08-03T00:05:00.001-04:00

Here is an article published in the October 1913 issue of the Franciscan Herald. The author of this article is wrong about one thing, though; the Freemasons and their Jewish masters have been able to damage the reputation of Christopher Columbus by their calumnies that he was a murderer of the natives, forced conversion upon them, sought only their riches, etc.

In the Seraphic Father.

Pius X - A True Son of St. Francis

2011-08-02T00:05:00.000-04:00

An article taken from the September 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald. St. Pius X died on August 20, 1914. He was a beloved Franciscan tertiary.

In the Seraphic Father.

God Will Not Be Mocked - The Titanic

2011-08-01T00:05:00.000-04:00

Interesting short story about the sinking of the Titanic from the May 1914 issue of the Franciscan Herald.

In the Seraphic Father.

Sr. Veronica Makes Her Profession

2011-07-31T20:56:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

Sorry that these pictures are very late. Sr. Veronica, a good friend of mine, made her profession as a Franciscan tertiary on February 2, 2011. Fr. Goldade, SSPX, received her into the Third Order Secular at St. Ignatius Retreat House chapel in Ridgefield, CT. Deo gratias!

Please pray for her that she may grow in the love of St. Francis and through him, the love of God.

In the Seraphic Father.

Franciscan Herald Periodical

2011-07-28T07:51:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

I recently found a valuable resource of Franciscan and Third Order articles from a 20th century periodical called the "Franciscan Herald". It is a gold mine to see how the Catholic and Franciscan thoughts and practices of that time compare to today. It is like night and day. Go to "Archives.org" to download the volumes yourself. I will be posting some of the articles that I believe may be of interest.

In the Seraphic Father.

Novus Ordo Franciscan Superiors Shall Celebrate Assisi III!

2011-07-08T07:52:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Here is an example of why we avoid, like the plague, involving ourselves with the Novus Ordo religion. It has come to my attention recently that all Novus Ordo Franciscan Ministers General approve of Assisi III! You can read it for yourself here. Even the top Secular Franciscan Order representative approves of it. Is not this endorsement a result of that wicked council called Vatican II and the principles that spewed from it such as ecumenism and religious liberty? It is incredible that an abomination is celebrated by the pope himself right down to the common layperson. St. Francis must be rolling in his grave! And yet they treat the Seraphic Father as if he would approve of such an crime against the Law of God.

My friends, let us stay clear of such offenses against the First Commandment; rather, let us fight against them and those who perpetuate them. Let us hold fast to Tradition and everything sacred our forefathers handed down to us.

All for the Reign of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts!

In the Seraphic Father.

Sunday August 14 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2011-06-29T07:32:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday August 14 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

Brother and Sister Receive Their Clothing

2011-06-26T19:00:00.009-04:00

Dear Friends,

It is with joy that I bring you the good news that earlier today Fr. Freddy Mery received Br. Benedict John and Sr. Gertrude Mary into the novitiate. Deo gratias! The ceremony was conducted in Sudbury, Ontario at the St. Philomena Mission.

Please pray for these souls that they may persevere in the Rule and make their profession next year.

In the Seraphic Father.

Procession of Tradition

2011-06-15T07:50:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Br. Fernando of Argentina, here is a link to a procession held in Paris on June 13 (Feast of St. Anthony) wherein you can see pictures of our Capuchins.

http://www.laportelatine.org/district/chartres/chartres2011/lundi110613/report3.php

In the Seraphic Father.

Eleven Souls Join the Archconfraternity of the Cord of St. Francis

2011-06-15T07:44:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

I have been informed that eleven souls have received the cord of the Archconfraternity of St. Francis on the Feast of St. Felix I (May 30) in St. Mary's, Kansas. Deo gratias!

Please pray for these souls that they may eventually join the Third Order.

In the Seraphic Father.

Sunday June 19 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2011-06-04T00:05:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday June 19 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

Join the Third Order Secular of St. Francis

2011-06-03T22:20:00.004-04:00

Calling all Catholics of good will to join the Third Order Secular of St. Francis in Tradition. Join the fight against the vile menaces to our soul - pornography, contraception, abortion, impurities of all kinds, the flesh, the world, and the devil. Not only will you sanctify your own souls, but Our Lord may use you to save the souls around you, especially those most dear.

Alas, this fight must be pure. Therefore, we must avoid like the plague the grave threat to the Faith caused by the Novus Ordo religion and its pseudo-Franciscanism called the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO).

For the Reign of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts!!!

Capuchins in Argentina

2011-05-28T19:33:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Please see below pictures of three Capuchins who visited South America last month. These pictures were sent to me by Br. Fernando, a fellow tertiary in Argentina. The first picture shows from left to right: Br. Felix Maria (Argentina), Fr. Jean (France), and Fr. Pacifico (Brazil).

Enjoy.

In the Seraphic Father.

More Literature

2011-05-01T21:38:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Thanks to a Third Order Secular hermit living in the United States, we have the following new literature to offer:

1) Introduction to the Third Order

2) Introduction to the Archconfraternity of the Cord

3) Lives of the First Tertiaries (Read Format)

4) Lives of the First Tertiaries (Booklet Format)

Please enjoy them.

I humbly request that you offer prayers for the kind Franciscan soul who took the time to put them together.

In the Seraphic Father.

Sunday May 29 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2011-03-21T08:09:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday May 29 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

Pictures from Morgon

2011-03-20T00:05:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Br. Fernando of Argentina took the following pictures when he was in Morgon this past January. The last two pictures show the resting place of Fr. Eugene (Founder of the Traditional Capuchin Community). Enjoy.

In the Seraphic Father.

Sunday March 20 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2011-02-20T20:37:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday March 20 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

Left the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)

2011-01-29T12:46:00.000-05:00

Here is an excerpt from an e-mail recently sent to me by a person who left the Secular Franciscan Order (S.F.O.), which is the Novus Ordo version of the Third Order Secular of St. Francis, during their formation. Let us thank God, through our Seraphic Father, that the person was able to quickly detect the lack of Catholicity and Franciscan spirituality present in the S.F.O.

Let us pray for the return of all four Novus Ordo Franciscan Orders to Catholic Tradition and true Franciscan spirituality.

"Well it's been a long time since we first corresponded. I'm still going through deliverance from the time I spent with them. I "exited" the group while still in formation. The group, i'm finding out through prayer. was just....not.....catholic....The break from the traditional church was quite evident...It's very being was...un-Fransican. In fact it blocked Fransiscanism. It is only when I present to the Lord the feelings that i got (feelings that i got from communal gatherings etc. ) in prayer Francis and his teaching enter in. (this was a matter of deliverance) I don't fully understand it but I was uncommunized as well through prayer (just to make sure I asked the Lord to remove any communism I received from being in the seculars and GLORY HE REMOVED IT!!!) I just don't grasp how it got in.... Being close the secular's I was also able to discern how "other" religion it is, and I got deliverance from that as well. The strange thing is. I did sense the presence of Francis at times, especially through the ministers, which is what attracted me to them. I pray. Really Pray all the unFransiscanism is expelled from them. Why didn't people make a fuss when the constitutions and rules changed???? The traditional Fransiscan element is absent completely. Even if they were to create a new rule it shouldn't be like that... Anyone with true faith and Fransiscan intuition can recognize quite easily how absent the Franciscan spirit is. It's shocking how many people lack those things!"

Two New Postulants

2011-01-25T00:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I am happy to announce that on Sunday January 23, two new postulants from Northern Ontario joined our fraternity. Deo gratias! Please pray for Br. Benedict John and Sr. Gertrude Mary. The postulancy period will last three months, after which time they may receive their clothing (i.e., enter the novitiate).

In the Seraphic Father.

Sunday February 20 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2011-01-24T08:16:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday February 20 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

Happy 65th Birthday to Fr. Freddy Mery

2011-01-09T20:40:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

Fr. Freddy Mery, Director of our fraternity, will be turning 65 years of age on January 13. To mark this special occasion, parishioners will be gathering at the Mandarin on Queensway in Etobicoke this upcoming Saturday January 15 at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per adult and $12 per child 12 and under. Children under 5, I believe, are only $2.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Barbara at the priory (416-251-0499) or e-mail: stmichaelspriory@rogers.com. A response is required by January 12.

In the Seraphic Father.

Happy Feast of the Holy Family!

Sunday January 16 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2010-12-30T07:59:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday January 16 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

The Saviour is Born!

2010-12-25T00:05:00.003-05:00

I wish you all a most blessed Christmas.

May the Baby Jesus, Our Most Holy Mother, and St. Joseph keep you.

General Elections Results

2010-12-05T20:22:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

During our fraternity meeting today, the general elections were held. The results are as follows:

Br. Anthony, Minister Prefect
Br. Joseph, Assistant Minister Prefect
Sr. Clara Maria, Mistress of Novices
Br.. Joseph Pio, Secretary
Br. Antonio, Treasurer
Br. Maximilian, Chronicler / Master of Ceremonies

Please pray for the new council and for all our fraternity members.

In the Seraphic Father.

Traditional Calendar

2010-11-23T00:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

The Third Order of St. Francis is represented in a 2011 calendar for the month of August using pictures from our website. Br. Pius and Sr. Therese of our fraternity are shown.

You can purchase the calendar for Canada, U.S., or Asia at Tradbooks. Please support this wonderful apostolate.

In the Seraphic Father.

Advent Fasting Intention

2010-11-22T08:26:00.000-05:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order,

Prior to 1883, tertiaries would fast each day (except Sundays) during Advent. I am planning to do so as well for this intention:

The restoration of all the Three Orders of St. Francis of Assisi to Catholic Tradition.

To this intention, you are more than welcome to add your own intentions as I will be doing so myself.

This year, the fasting period will be from Monday Nov. 29 to Friday Dec. 24 inclusive. Sundays are excepted.

Please let me know if you will join me in this good work.

Please do not forget that Tuesday Dec. 7 is an obligatory day of fasting.

In the Seraphic Father.

Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the Third Order of St. Francis

2010-11-19T00:05:00.027-05:00

A blessed feast to all!

Litany of St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, graciously hear us.

O God the Father, of heaven: have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world: have mercy upon us.
O God, the Holy Ghost: have mercy upon us.
O Holy Trinity, one God: have mercy upon us.

Holy Mary: Pray for us.
Immaculate Virgin: Pray for us.
Mother and Mistress of our Order: Pray for us.

St. Elizabeth, Princess of Hungary: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, Duchess of Thuringia: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, mother in Israel: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, queen in the Kingdom of God: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, consoler of sinners: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, nurse of lepers: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, devoted wife of Louis the Good: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, famous exemplar of Christian widowhood: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, fervent spouse of the Son of God: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, humble in prosperity: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, patient in adversity: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, mighty in penance: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, wondrous in prayer: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, first-born of the tertiaries regular: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, protectress of our Order: Pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, the "dear saint" of Holy Church: Pray for us.

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: spare us, O Lord.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: graciously hear us, O Lord.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O blessed Elizabeth. Alleluia.
R. That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ. Alleluia.

Let us pray: Merciful Lord, we pray Thee to pour the bright beams of Thy grace into our hearts: that, by the glorious prayers of Thy Saint Elizabeth, we may learn to despise all worldly prosperity, and ever to rejoice in all Heavenly consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer was taken from here.

Elections

2010-11-18T18:16:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I ask for your prayers. Our next general election will be held on Sunday Dec. 5. A new Minister Prefect and Council will be elected to take over the management of the fraternity starting January 2011. Please pray that members will be elected according to God's will.

In the Seraphic Father.

Feast of St. Elizabeth - Plenary Indulgence

2010-11-15T10:35:00.000-05:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order,

Please remember that this upcoming Friday is the Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the Third Order. You are entitled to a plenary indulgence as described in this post.

In the Seraphic Father.

St. Jude's Chapel Welcomes Another Novice

2010-11-10T00:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

I am happy to announce that St. Jude's Chapel (SSPX) in Philadelphia, PA received another novice, Sr. Maximilian Marie, on the Feast of Christ the King. Deo gratias!

The ceremony was presided by Fr. Young (SSPX), former Third Order Director of the U.S.A. Below are a couple of pictures.

Please pray that a new fraternity may spring out of this chapel in the near future.

In the Seraphic Father.

Updated Version of the Office of the Paters Booklet

2010-11-09T00:05:00.000-05:00

An updated (and in my humble opinion, a better) version of the Office of the Paters has been posted. This is thanks to a hermit living in the U.S.A.

In the Seraphic Father.

Sunday December 5 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2010-11-08T00:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on Sunday December 5 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

Contact Information for Fr. Francois-Marie

2010-11-07T20:10:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

During our fraternity meeting today, Fr. Mery informed us that Fr. Francois-Marie is no longer in Morgon. He has moved over to the novitiate convent. He remains, however, the Superior of the Third Order Secular. His new mail address is as follows:

Fr. Francois-Marie
Couvent St. Antoine
Arenque
32500 Castelnau D'Arbieu
France

In the Seraphic Father.

Capuchin New Convent Video

2010-10-24T00:05:00.000-04:00

My Dear Friends,

Please see here a beautiful video of the founding of the new convent by our Capuchins. It is about 20 minutes long.

In the Seraphic Father.

Pictures from St. Mary's

2010-10-23T20:30:00.001-04:00

Below are some pictures of the clothing ceremony presided by Fr. Bergez of the SSPX on September 26.

In the Seraphic Father.

Capuchins Open Up a New Convent

2010-10-18T07:57:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

It is with great joy that I announce to you that our Capuchins have founded a new convent for the First Order. Deo gratias!

May Our Lord, through His servant St. Francis, continue to bless these humble friars.

In the Seraphic Father.

Sunday November 7 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2010-10-05T00:05:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on November 7 after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

2010-10-04T00:05:00.004-04:00

May God bless you on this Feast Day of our Seraphic Father!

Requirements for Entry

2010-10-03T20:41:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Please see attached a sheet we received today from Morgon regarding entry requirements for those interested in Third Order Secular.

The reception of the two postulants has been postponed until our November meeting.

In the Seraphic Father.

Investiture at the Assumption Chapel

2010-09-27T21:08:00.000-04:00

My Dear Friends,

I bring you excellent news. Yesterday, Fr. Bergez of the SSPX visited the Assumption Chapel in St. Mary's, Kansas and invested nine candidates with the scapular and cord. Deo gratias! Furthermore, four souls became cordbearers of the Archconfraternity of St. Francis. This brings their number of cordbearers to 34. Deo gratias! And next year, if at least three of the novices make their profession, they will be able to start their own fraternity. Deo gratias!

Catholic Tradition is alive and well. Deo gratias! Deo gratias! Deo gratias!

Please pray for these souls and let us give the Almighty God adoration and praise for His infinite goodness.

I hope to have pictures of the ceremonies soon.

Our Holy Seraphic Father, pray for us.

Two New Postulants for Our Fraternity

2010-09-26T16:29:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

It is with joy that I announce to you that two candidates are scheduled to enter the postulancy period of three months during our meeting on October 3. Deo gratias!

Please pray for these potential new children of St. Francis.

In the Seraphic Father.

St. Mary's, Kansas Souls to Be Invested with Cord and Scapular

2010-09-19T19:53:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

It is with joy that I bring you news of at least six candidates in St. Mary's, Kansas who plan to be received into the Third Order Secular of St. Francis as novices by Fr. Hugues Bergez, a priest of the Society of St. Pius X and recently appointed Director of the Third Order in the United States. Deo gratias!

Please see below a leaflet announcing the event. Please pray that our Seraphic Father will receive these new children into his Third Order with open arms.

Please note that the leaflet mistakenly states that Fr. Bergez is the Director of North America.

In the Seraphic Father.

Rewind - Interview on Voice of Catholic Radio

2010-09-10T21:53:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Two years ago this month, the Voice of Catholic Radio interviewed Br. Pio Francis, former Prefect of the Fraternity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, about the Third Order Rule in Tradition and its comparison with the new Rule promulgated under Pope Paul VI. The difference is like night and day.

I invite all Secular Franciscans (S.F.O.) to really listen to this interview, so that they may come to an understanding that the Rule they follow is not of St. Francis, but far from him. I pray and hope that they will leave the the S.F.O. and come to Tradition.

In the Seraphic Father.

Sunday October 3 - Next Fraternity Meeting

2010-08-31T19:43:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

The next Third Order meeting will be on October 3 (Vigil of the Feast of St. Francis) after the High Mass at the Church of the Transfiguration in Toronto. Normally, tertiaries are to fast on October 3, but since this year it falls on a Sunday, please fast (and try to abstain from all meat foods) on the Saturday instead.

All are most welcome to attend.

In the Seraphic Father.

Br. Anthony