A Note from Fr. Gary
| July 2024 Dear Companion of St. Anthony, This month I had the honor of offering some talks to three of our younger friars, Raad, Joseph and Cristofer, who are making their Solemn Vow retreat. This month-long experience away from the hustle and bustle of life is our orders gift to them as they prepare to make their lifelong commitment to Jesus Christ as Franciscan Friars on August 2, 2024. Please keep them in your prayers. The witness of a life committed to Jesus Christ in the Franciscan Order is what we honor in our great patron St. Anthony. We know how his “yes” to God’s call continues to inspire others towards a deep personal relationship with Jesus. I hope that this might encourage us all to pray through the intercession of St. Anthony this summer that our own “yes” as committed disciples of Jesus, no matter what our personal vocation or circumstance might be, will lead others to the experiencing of this same gift in their lives. As Pope Francis said to those gathered during one of his early international trips: “Jesus changes everything. Encountering Jesus transforms a person, a situation, even ones that seem the most hopeless.” St. Anthony, Pray for us. Peace,  Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv. |
