 L-R: Bishop George Muthaka, OFM Cap.; Br. Joseph Kibunjah, OFH; Fr. Charles Odhiambo, OFM Cap.; Br. Paul, OFH  L-R: Br. Joseph Kibunjah, OFH; Fr. Arnold Shimira, OFM Cap.; Br. Paul, OFH In June 2022, Br. Paul, OFH had the privilege of meeting with Capuchin Bishop George Muthaka of the Diocese of Garissa and Fr. Arnold Shimira, OFM Cap., the Custos of the Capuchin General Custody of Kenya, to discuss the promotion of the Order of Franciscan Hermits (OFH) and building of a future Hermitage Fraternity (monastery) in their country. Their spirit of "Karibu" ("Welcome") was/is very uplifting and they both pledged to pray for and walk with the OFH on our Spiritual Journey in Kenya. The Capuchins are truly our FRANCISCAN BROTHERS! The Order of Franciscan Hermits was founded by Br. Paul in 2015 through the inspiration of his former Novice Master, Fr. Enda Heffernan, OFM Cap., who was a member of the Capuchin Western America Province. His Spiritual message to, "Go to the Silence... Go to the Silence" and St. Francis' "Rule for Hermitages" has sparked a new generation of Third Order Franciscans to embrace Contemplation and to pray for World Peace. Fr. Enda always yearned to be a Missionary in Africa but never had the opportunity to Serve there, so when Archbishop Philip Anyolo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, invited Br. Paul to Kenya so he could learn more about the OFH, Br. Paul made the trip in honor of Fr. Enda. The OFH will always serve in Africa as part of Fr. Enda's legacy and do our utmost to help where we can.  Fr. Enda Heffernan, OFM Cap. The Capuchins of Kenya play a critical role within the Church, not only through traditional parish and educational work, but now through video programming on television networks, social media and YouTube. This exciting ministry is known throughout most homes in Kenya, and has sparked an abundance of vocations, but with this new growth comes tremendous financial challenges to carry out such a ministry and provide for the new seminarians.
Fr. Arnold and Br. Paul are asking our OFH Associates, Members and Benefactors if they can assist in the spirit of Fr. Enda through our prayers, sharing of this article with your friends and family, and/or making a financial donation if you are able, directly to the Kenyan Capuchins. The following are high priority initiatives of the Capuchins in Kenya which are in critical need of donations...
Any further questions can be directed to Fr. Arnold whose contact information is the following: Fr. Arnold Shirima, OFM Cap. CAPUCHIN FRANCISCAN FATHERS DEVELOPMENT OFFICE Box 14413 - 00800 WESTLANDS – NAIROBI KENYA Cell Phone: +254 721261650 Email: arnoldcaps@yahoo.co.uk Fr. Enda Heffernan, OFM Cap. was Br. Paul's Novice Master when he was with the Capuchin Franciscans, who was the initial inspiration for the Founding of the Order of Franciscan Hermits. Fr. Enda's main Spiritual Message to his Novices was to, "Go to the Silence... Go to the Silence." Fr. Enda was born on March 17 (St. Patrick's Day), 1932 in Turner's Cross, Cork City, Ireland and dreamed of being sent to the Missions in Africa as he was studying for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest on May 30, 1957 and was told, "You're going to the Missions" so he asked, "Where am I going?" and they said, "to Pasadena"... "What part of Africa is that in?"... "It's not... it's in California!" Fr. Enda was a Capuchin Franciscan friar for 52 years and died at the age of 69, but never had the chance to Serve as a Missionary in Africa. Upon the invitation of Archbishop Anyolo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, Br. Paul travelled to Kenya in June 2022, as Archbishop Anyolo wanted to "meet the founder" of our OFH Community. Br. Paul also met with Bishop Muthaka of the Diocese of Garissa, Bishop Rotich of the Diocese of Kericho and Bishop Kimengich of the Diocese of Eldoret, as well as Fr. Arnold Shimira, OFM Cap. - the Capuchin Custos of Kenya. Br. Paul told the story of Fr. Enda wanting to be a Missionary in Africa and that he was there in his Honor. Each of them promised to pray for our Community and welcomed us to promote our Mission and found a Hermitage in Kenya. To carry on the Missionary work that Fr. Enda yearned to do in Africa, Br. Paul has established the Fr. Enda Heffernan, OFM Cap. Memorial Fund for African Missions. Donations to this Memorial Fund will be allocated specifically to support key missionary projects in Africa. If you would like to make a donation in Honor of Fr. Enda, please CLICK HERE to make an online donation, or send your check to: Order of Franciscan Hermits 310 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd. #107-261 San Marcos, CA 92078   We should ever be grateful for and love the vocation to which God has called us. This applies to every vocation because, after all, what a privilege it is to serve God, even in the least capacity!
-- Blessed Solanus Casey Originally Posted on Facebook by Vincent Cole "St. Francis of Assisi - a man transformed in prayer" - Letter of the Capuchin General Minister6/25/2018
The letter, "St. Francis of Assisi - a man transformed in prayer" by the Capuchin Franciscan General Minister, Br. Mauro Johri, is an an important document for all Associates and Members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits to read, embrace and enact. Although we do not typically live in Community, we should be first committed to our prayer life so that we may continue to carry out the good works of the Gospel in our lives. It is recommended that you read this document regularly as a reminder of the importance of prayer to our vocation as contemplative Franciscans. (CLICK HERE to open Document.)  
Posted by the St. Josaphat Fraternity - Secular Franciscan Order
ALL SAINTS OF THE FRANCISCAN ORDER (ALL FRANCISCAN SAINTS DAY) In addition to All Saints Day on November 1, the entire Franciscan Order celebrates a Franciscan All Saints Day. All the saints and blessed, in fact, all the members of the three orders of St. Francis who have attained their goal in heaven, whether known or unknown, are honored in a special manner on this day. November 29 was selected for this feastday because on that day in 1223 Pope Honorius III gave his approval to the final Rule which St. Francis gave to the Friars Minor, a Rule which pointed out a new way to sanctity. By observing it faithfully, many have become saints; and by celebrating the feast of All Franciscan Saints, we are inspired and encouraged to follow in their footsteps. A FRANCISCAN LITANY OF ALL SAINTS Lord have mercy! Lord have mercy! Christ have mercy! Christ have mercy! Lord have mercy! Lord have mercy! God, the Father, have mercy on us! God, the Son, have mercy on us! God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us! Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us! Holy Mary, the Immaculate Conception, Queen of the Franciscan Order, pray for us! Holy Father Francis, (1220 – Oct 4) pray for us! * * * All you holy martyrs of the Franciscan Order, pray for us! Saints Berard, Accursius, Adjustus, Otto, and Peter, Protomartyrs (1220 – Jan 16) pray for us! Saints Daniel, Angelo, Domnus, Hugolinus, Leo, Nicholas, and Samuel, Martyrs of Africa, (1227 – Oct 10) pray for us! Saints Nicholas Tavelic, Deodat of Aquitaine, Peter of Narbonne, and Stephen of Cuneo, Martyrs of the Holy Land, (1391 – Nov 14) pray for us! Saint Thomas More, Martyr of England, (1535 – Jun 22) pray for us! Saints Nicholas Pick, Anthony Hornaer, Anthony of Weert, Cornelius, Francis, Godfrey, Jerome, Nicasius, Peter, Theodoric, Willehad, Martyrs of Holland, (1572 – Jul 9) pray for us! Saints Peter Baptist Blasquez, Martin de Aquirre, Francis Blanco, Philip of Jesus of Mexico, Gonzalo Garcia of India, Anthony of Nagasaki, Bonaventure, Cosmas, Francis of Fahelante, Francis of Miyako, Gabriel, Joachim, John, Leo, Louis, Matthias, Michael, Paul Ibaraki, Paul Zuzuki, Peter, Thomas Danki, and Thomas Kosaki, Protomartyrs of Japan, (1597 – Feb 6) pray for us! Saints John Jones and John Wall, Martyrs of England, (1598 and 1679 – Jul 12) pray for us! Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Protomartyr of the Sacred Congregation of the Propagation of the Faith, (1622 – Apr 24) pray for us! Saints Gregory Grassi, Francesco Fogolla, Elia Facchini, Théodore Balat, Andreas, Antonio Fantosati, Giuseppe Maria Gambaro, Cesidio Giacomantonio, Marie Hermina of Jesus, Maria della Pace, Maria Chiara, Marie de Sainte Nathalie, Marie de Saint Just, Marie Adolfine, John Zhang Huan, Patrick Dong Bodi, John Wang Rui, Philip Zhang Zhihe, John Zhang Jingguang, Thomas Shen Jihe, Simon Chen Ximan, Peter Wu Anbang, Francis Zhang Rong, Matthew Feng De, Peter Zhang Banniu, James Yan Guodong, James Zhao, Peter Wang Erman, Martyrs of China, (1900 – Jul 8) pray for us! Saint Maxmillian Kolbe, Martyr of Auschwitz, (1941 – Aug 14) pray for us! All you holy priests of the First Franciscan Order, pray for us! Saint Anthony of Padua, Doctor of the Gospel and Wonderworker, (1233 – Jun 13) pray for us! Saint Bonaventure, Seraphic Doctor, (1274 – Jul 15) pray for us! Saint Benvenute of Osimo, Bishop, (1282 – Mar 22) pray for us! Saint Louis of Tolouse, Bishop, (1297 – Aug 19) pray for us! Saint Bernardine of Siena, (1444 – May 20) pray for us! Saint John Capistran, (1456 – Oct 23) pray for us! Saint Peter Regalado, (1456 – Mar 30) pray for us! Saint James of the March, (1476 – Nov 28) pray for us! Saint John of Dukla, (1484 – Oct 3) pray for us! Saint Peter of Alcantara, (1562 – Oct 19) pray for us! Saint Francis Solano, (1610 – Jul 14) pray for us! Saint Joseph of Leonissa, (1612 – Feb 4) pray for us! Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor of the Church, (1619 – Jul 21) pray for us! Saint Joseph of Cupertino, (1663 – Sep 18) pray for us! Saint Pacificus of San Severino, (1721 – Sep 24) pray for us! Saint Ignatius of Santhia, (1770 – Sep 22) pray for us! Saint Thomas of Cori, (1792 – Jan 19) pray for us! Saint John Joseph of the Cross, (1734 – Mar 5) pray for us! Saint Theophilus of Corte, (1740 – May 19) pray for us! Saint Francis Fasani, (1742 – Nov 27) pray for us! Saint Leonard of Port Maurics, (1751 – Nov 26) pray for us! Saint Antoino de Santa Ana, (1822 – Oct 25) pray for us! Saint Leopold Mandic, (1942 – May 12) pray for us! Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, (1968 – Sep 23) pray for us! All you holy lay brothers of the First Franciscan Order, pray for us! Saint Didacus of Alcala, (1463 – Nov 7) pray for us! Saint Simon of Lipnica, (1482 – Jul 18) pray for us! Saint Salvator of Horta, (1567 – Mar 18) pray for us! Saint Felix of Cantalice, (1585 – May 18) pray for us! Saint Benedict the Black, (1589 – Apr 3) pray for us! Saint Paschal Baylon, (1592 – May 17) pray for us! Saint Seraphin of Montegranaro, (1604 – Oct 12) pray for us! Saint Umile de Bisignano, (1637 – Nov 27) pray for us! Saint Bernard of Corleone, (1662 – Jan 12) pray for us! Saint Charles of Sezze, (1670 – Jan 6) pray for us! Saint Crispin of Viterbo, (1750 – May 19) pray for us! Saint Felix of Nicosia, (1787 – Jun 2) pray for us! Saint Ignatius Laconi, (1781 – May 11) pray for us! Saint Giles Mary of St. Joseph, (1812 – Feb 8) pray for us! Saint Francis Camporosso, (1866 – Sep 20) pray for us! Saint Conrad of Parzham, (1894 – Apri 21) pray for us! * * * All you holy virgins of the Second Franciscan Order, pray for us! Holy Mother Clare of Assisi, (1253 – Aug 11) pray for us! Saint Agnes of Assisi, (1253 – Nov 19) pray for us! Saint Agnes of Bohemia, (1282 – Mar 2) pray for us! Saint Cunegunda, (1292 – Jul 23) pray for us! Saint Colette of Corbie, (1447 – Feb 7) pray for us! Saint Catherine of Bologna, (1463 – May 9) pray for us! Saint Eustochia Calafato, (1485 – Jan 19) pray for us! Saint Beatrice of Silva, (1490 – Sep 1) pray for us! Saint Camilla Battista of Varano, (1524 – May 31) pray for us! Saint Veronica Giuliani, (1727 – Jul 10) pray for us! Saint Marianne Cope, (1980 – Jan 20) pray for us! * * * All you holy priests of the Third Franciscan Order, pray for us! Saint Yves of Brittany, (1303 – May 19), pray for us! Saint Charles Borromeo, Archbishop and Cardinal, (1584 – Nov 4) pray for us! Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo, (1842 – Apr 30) pray for us! Saint Vincent Palotti, Founder, (1850 – Jan 22) pray for us! Saint John Mary Vianney, Patron of Parish Priests, (1859 – Aug 4) pray for us! Saint Joseph Cafasso, (1860 – Jun 23) pray for us! Saint Michael Garicits, (1863 – May 14) pray for us! Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Founder, (1868 – Aug 3) pray for us! Saint John Bosco, Founder (1883 – Jan 31) pray for us! Saint Zygmunt Felinski, Archbishop and Founder, (1895 – Sep 17) pray for us! Saint Pius X, Pope, (1914 – Aug 21) pray for us! All you holy foundresses of religious congregations who were members of the Third Franciscan Order, pray for us! Saint Bridget of Sweden, (1373 – Jul 23) pray for us! Saint Jane of Valois, (1505 – Feb 14) pray for us! Saint Angela Merici, (1540 – Jan 27) pray for us! Saint Mary Batholomea Capitanio, (1833 – Jul 26) pray for us! Saint Mary Magdalen Postel, (1846 – Jul 16) pray for us! Saint Vincentia Gerosa, (1847 – Jun 28) pray for us! Saint Joachima de Mas y de Vedruna, (1854 – May 22) pray for us! Saint Mary Josepha Rossello, (1880 – Oct 3) pray for us! Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, (1917 – Nov 13) pray for us! * * * All you holy men of the Third Franciscan Order, pray for us! Saint Ferdinand, King of Castile and Leon (1252 – May 30) pray for us! Saint Louis, King of France, Patron of the Third Order, (1270 – Aug 25) pray for us! Saint Elzear of Sabran, (1323 – Sep 26) pray for us! Saint Roch of Montpellier, (1327 – Aug 16) pray for us! Saint Conrad of Piacenza, Hermit, (1351 – Feb 19) pray for us! Saint Pedro of San Jose Betancor, (1667 – Apr 25) pray for us! Saint Albert Chmielowski, (1916 – Jun 17) pray for us! * * * All you holy women of the Third Franciscan Order, pray for us! Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the Third Order, (1231 – Nov 19) pray for us! Saint Veridiana, (1242 – Feb 1) pray for us! Saint Rose of Viterbo, Virgin, (1252 – Sep 4) pray for us! Saint Zita of Lucca, Virgin, (1278 – Apri 27) pray for us! Saint Margaret of Cortona, (1297 – May 16) pray for us! Saint Clare of Montefalco, Virgin and Religious, (1308 – Aug 17) pray for us! Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, (1336 – Jul 4) pray for us! Saint Joan of Arc, Virgin, (1431 – May 30) pray for us! Saint Frances of Rome, (1440 – Mar 9) pray for us! Saint Catherine of Genoa, (1510 – Sep 15) pray for us! Saint Hyacintha Mariscotti, Virgin and Religious, (1640 – Jan 30) pray for us! Saint Mariana of Jesus of Quito, Virgin, (1645 – May 28) pray for us! Saint Crescentia Höss, Virgin and Religious, (1744 – Apr 5) pray for us! Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds, Virgin, (1791 – Oct 6) pray for us! Saint Alphonsa Muttathupaduthu, Religious, (1946 – Jul 28) pray for us! * * * All you holy Cordbearers of St. Francis, pray for us! Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop, (1622 – Jan 24) pray for us! Saint Joseph Calasanctius, Founder, (1648 – Aug 25) pray for us! Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, (1782 – Apr 17) pray for us! Saint Bernadette Soubirous, Virgin and Religious, (1879 – Apr 16) pray for us! * * * Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us! Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us! Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace! Let us pray Almighty everlasting God, we thank you for granting us the joy of honoring our holy Father Francis and his sainted followers and enjoying the protection of their unceasing prayers. Grant us also the grace to imitate their example and so attain their fellowship in eternal glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen |
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