St. Maximillian Kolbe, Franciscan Martyr of Auschwitz: a witness to hope!
Today we Franciscans keep the feast of our brother St. Maximilian Kolbe, martyr of Auschwitz who died on Aug.14, 1941. He was a Polish Conventual friar, well known for his immense love of Our Lady, who provided shelter for thousands of Jews in his friary and was an active voice against the Nazi violence. He…
Blessed Mark of Aviano the Cappuccino Capuchin!
Feast of our brother Blessed Mark of Aviano today, a friar who cemented our Capuchin connection to coffee forever! He passed to the Lord on this day in the year 1699 after an extraordinary life of service, prayer, preaching and miracles that saw him act as envoy of the Pope to the Emperor while…
Passing to the Lord of Br. Noel Winston 18th December 1937 – 7th August 2015
Dear friends, Please pray with us for the eternal repose of the soul of our brother, Noel Winston, who passed peacefully to the Lord yesterday evening in St. Francis Hospice, Raheny in the presence of his sister Kay and the friars. May he rest in peace. Brother Noel (Athanasius) was born in Co. Roscommon, on…
A decaf moment: Stormlight
Stormlight: Storms bring their own light; sharp lined and lightening cut, by which old truth assumes the beauty of the new and Mother Earth eden breathes again, if only for a moment. Their rain, drilling down, brooks no opposition, gives no quarter, and must be simply received and submitted to, abandoning any pretense at…
Visit of Turkish Cultural Group to Church St. Friary
On Thursday we were delighted to welcome to our Church St. friary a group of Turkish Students here in ireland on cultural exchange. They had never visited a Catholic Church before and were interested in learning about the history and spirituality of the Franciscan Way. This continues a long Franciscan tradition of inter Christian/Muslim dialogue…
Feast of Our Lady of the Angels: The Blessing of the Portiuncula
Today, (August 2nd), we in the Franciscan Family keep the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels! This is the patronal title of the Blessed Virgin under which St. Francis placed the Order. St. Francis had great devotion to Our Lady under this title due to his repairing of the little chapel of the…
Caring for Creation: Caring for our soul
Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs.” St. Francis. St. Francis always taught that our gardens should include a wild uncultivated place where the flowers and herbs of the field could find a home and where we…
Visit of Belgian YouFra to Kilkenny and Dublin
We friars of the Irish Province recently welcomed a group of Young Franciscans (YouFra) who were on pilgrimage from Belgium. YouFra are a Catholic youth organisation under the spiritual direction of the friars that invites young people learn about and experience the spirituality of St. Francis. Led by Br. Kenny Brack, the Vicar of our…
Sacred Sunday Pause: A decaf moment
Sacred Sunday Pause: Entering the eternal day of Christ; we enter Kairos, the place of encounter with the Divine, the place of freedom, compassion and mercy, the place of the sacrament of the present moment. Enter the today of Christ! Quote by Pope Francis.
Our prayer to the Sacred Heart for Vocations. The beautiful image of the heart of love was painted by the incredible American artist, Ida Woll. The Heart of Jesus burns with love and, in turn, calls us to live lives of burning love. vocations@capuchins.ie ... See MoreSee Less
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This Sunday is Franciscan Sunday at Knock Shrine: www.capuchinfranciscans.ie/franciscan-sunday-2025-knock-shrine/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Why not take a few moments to rest in the Word of God with our 'Sunday Reflection' thanks to Br Silvester O'Flynn?
www.capuchinfranciscans.ie/reflection/sts-peter-paul/
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We pray for peace in the Middle East and an end to violence. Lord make us instruments of your peace. St Francis, Patron of Peace: Pray for all who suffer because of war. ... See MoreSee Less
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Blessings on the feast of St Anthony of Padua!
Feast of our brother St. Anthony of Padua today!
Known as the "Good Doctor" for his immense wisdom and learning he was an indefatigable preacher and teacher of the Gospel and the first teacher of theology to the Friars from amongst their own number.
Known for the immense number of miracles worked during his life he was granted the title of Thaumaturge or Wonderworker. He also worked tirelessly on behalf of the poor and opposed corruption wherever he found it. His last years were spent living as a hermit (in a treehouse!) and teaching the brothers. He is the patron of the poor, of children and pregnant women and of preachers and teachers, and is invoked to find that which is lost and, above all, of miracles!
He is one of our truly extraordinary brothers and one of my own special spiritual teachers and friends. We entrust ourselves to his prayers this day and always +
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(Photos include wonderful the cross St. Anthony burned into the wall of the Cathedral in Lisbon with his finger when only 12 years old in order to repel a temptation of the devil to leave his studies to become a priest, his shrine in some of our churches, his blessing and his relics preserved in Padua.)
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Glorious St. Anthony, I salute thee as a good servant of Christ, and a special friend of God. You once were favored to hold the Christ Child in your arms as you cherished His Word in your heart.
Today I place all my cares, temptations, and anxieties in your hands. I resolve ever to honor you by imitating your example.
Powerful patron, model of Purity, please win for me, and for all devoted to thee, perfect purity of body, mind, and heart I promise by my example and counsel to help others to the knowledge, love, and service of God. Amen.
The creator of the heavens obeys a carpenter; the God of eternal glory listens to a poor virgin. Has anyone ever witnessed anything comparable to this?" .
"The birds are the saints, who fly to heaven on the wings of contemplation, who are so removed from the world that they have no business on earth. They do not labour, but by contemplation alone they already live in heaven." ~ St Anthony of Padua
The relics of St. Anthony of Padua (of Lisbon originally) exposed for veneration. A detail of them that always makes my heart ache is that upon forensic examination of his bones it was found that his foot bones were worn almost away due to the countless miles he walked to preach the Gospel and serve the poor... Miraculously, his tongue and vocal cords have remained incorrupt to this day.
(From Br Richard Hendrick ) ... See MoreSee Less
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Great news from Zambia! Six of our brothers will make perpetual profession on the 2nd of August. Please keep them in your prayers. ... See MoreSee Less
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This weekend's Gospel reflection thanks to Br Silvester O'Flynn OFM Cap:
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Trinity Sunday 2025 - Capuchin Franciscans | Ireland
www.capuchinfranciscans.ie
Anthony De Mello was a writer with a great gift of simplifying deep truths. He wrote that theology is the ability to tell stories about God: and prayer is knowing that you are part of the story.1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Dr Liam Temple works on Capuchin Franciscan research in the University of Durham. Here is an insightful video on who we Capuchins are. Enjoy. For more information on our way of life email: vocations@capuchins.ie ... See MoreSee Less
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A lovely behind the scenes look at our Chapter last week. Thanks to Br Antony Bibin Kurian for putting this together. For more information on our way of life email: vocations@capuchins.ie ... See MoreSee Less
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