"Saint Bonaventure, Bishop-Cardinal & Doctor of the Church (1221-1274). Feast Day: 15Jul.A Franciscan theologian, St. Bonaventure was born Giovanno di Fidanza, in Bagnorea, Italy, the son of a physician of noble birth. St. Francis cured him of an illness and reportedly renamed him Bonaventure. He became a Franciscan and studied in Paris, France, becoming the disciple of Alexander of Hales.

As a theologian, Bonaventure was more Augustinian and less Aristotelian than his contemporary Thomas Aquinas was; he stressed the importance of an affective, rather than a purely rational approach to the divine mysteries. Bonaventure taught theology and Scripture at Paris and was eventually granted his doctorate on the same day as Thomas Aquinas."

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"The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia is a congregation of approximately 450 Catholic religious women who choose a Gospel way of life lived in community and uphold a long and honored tradition of loving God and being in relationship through loving service. It is the mission of the sisters to be committed to the needs of others, especially the economically poor, the marginal, and the oppressed. Choosing to live the Gospel in the prophetic spirit of Francis of Assisi and our foundress, Mother Francis Bachmann and with Jesus Christ as Brother, we live as sister with one another, with the entire human family, and with all creation. Calling ourselves and one another to continuous conversion of heart, we commit ourselves to a life of contemplation, poverty, and humility.

As vowed women of the Church, we respond with diverse gifts in a spirit of collaboration and mutual service to the needs of others, especially the economically poor, the marginal, and the oppressed. Seeking to participate in the Spirit's action in the world, we direct our personal and corporate resources to the promotion of justice, peace, and reconciliation. As Sisters of St. Francis, we are willing to take the necessary risks to be a healing, compassionate presence in our violent world, especially for women, children, and those who have no voice."

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"I was overjoyed when I heard that Fr George Bugeja OFM was recently appointed by Pope Francis as coadjutor bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Tripoli.

When I did my directed retreat for my perpetual profession as a Franciscan Capuchin brother some 15 years ago it was precisely Fr Bugeja who led me in that special retreat. Even if 15 years have now elapsed I still very much cherish its life-giving fruits."

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"ATHENS—The leader of the Catholic community at the University of Georgia, Franciscan Father Thomas Vigliotta, died on July 4.He was a member of the Franciscan community for 34 years and a priest for 29 years. The New York native also served in parishes in South Carolina, New York and in retreat ministry. Due to failing health, he had transferred to Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, New Jersey, on June 9."

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"WORCESTER – From childhood, she felt called to work with the elderly, and felt at home at a facility run by religious sisters.

As a young adult she was attracted by the sisters themselves, and wondered what was going on inside of her. She’d left the Church and felt guilty about her lifestyle.

Encounters with God and the sisters brought her around – full circle, in a way.
Sister Jane Oliver, a 68-year-old Little Franciscan of Mary, tells this story of her journey."

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"Sister Elora Schmidt age 81, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, died Tuesday evening, June 30, 2015 at Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc."

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"LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) - La Crosse's homeless have a new place to go for help.

Catholic Charities and the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration opened the Franciscan Hospitality House on Sixth Street in La Crosse Wednesday.

The house will offer social services like mental health support, legal help, and job training to those who don't have a place to call home."

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"Sister Grace Marie Wilgenbusch, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 95, died Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse. She was in the 74th year of her religious profession."

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"The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities' Mt. Alvernia campus has gained about 30,000 new residents.Three honeybee hives were placed on the property in Millvale a few weeks ago.

​The hives were blessed in a short ceremony June 23 by Sister Donna Zwigart. The ceremony came in response to Pope Francis' encyclical he released in June that spoke about the need to combat human-driven climate change."

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