Mission Statement
Franciscan Fire
Living and proclaiming the Gospel
   is our goal. We do so:
as brothers to each other
   and to the world;
Living with and for the poor;
Promoting justice, peace and
   the care of creation.
Working with all women and men
   of good will;
Inviting them to share
   our Franciscan spirit.
Facing our future with hope,
   we echo
Francis of Assisi who said,
   "Let us begin again."
 
Franciscan life is about people: those to whom we minister, those with whom we work, family and friends who support and inspire us. Gallery is a look at the faces of our province and the events that shape our lives as friars.
  Walking With Hope: A Journey of Faith and Discovery  
June 16, four young Franciscan friars and their mentors set out for Roanoke, Va., to begin a 300-mile walking pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. Following the example of St. Francis, they are depending upon the generosity of people they meet along the way for work, food and shelter. Track their journey on their blog, www.friarwalk.com, and check this page for pictures from the road.
The pilgrim friars received sunhats, crucifixes and a map of Virginia during their commissioning ceremony June 16 at St. Anthony Shrine in Cincinnati. Top row: Ed Shea, OFM, Mark Soehner, OFM, Cliff Hennings, OFM, Richard Goodin, OFM; kneeling are Joshua van Cleef, OFM, and Roger Lopez, OFM.
PHOTO BY CARL LANGENDERFER, OFM
The pilgrim friars received sunhats, crucifixes and a map of Virginia during their commissioning ceremony June 16 at St. Anthony Shrine in Cincinnati. Top row: Ed Shea, OFM, Mark Soehner, OFM, Cliff Hennings, OFM, Richard Goodin, OFM; kneeling are Joshua van Cleef, OFM, and Roger Lopez, OFM.
Before starting their walking pilgrimage, friars stopped in Hazard, Ky., to visit with Pastor Mike Chowning at Mother of Good Counsel parish.
Before starting their walking pilgrimage, friars stopped in Hazard, Ky., to visit with Pastor Mike Chowning at Mother of Good Counsel parish.
Pilgrims at a scenic overlook near Cumberland, Ky., with friar Ed Lammert.
Pilgrims at a scenic overlook near Cumberland, Ky., with friar Ed Lammert.
Overnight accommodations their first night on the road.
Overnight accommodations their first night on the road.
Dr. Tom Fame, SFO, his wife, Leah, and their daughter, Michele, gave the friars lodging for a couple of days while they worked in Salem, Va.
Dr. Tom Fame, SFO, his wife, Leah, and their daughter, Michele, gave the friars lodging for a couple of days while they worked in Salem, Va.
Stopping at the farmers’ market in Salem on the way out of town.
Stopping at the farmers’ market in Salem on the way out of town.
The night of June 21, friars slept on a trampoline in the woods behind a fire house in Roanoke.
The night of June 21, friars slept on a trampoline in the woods behind a fire house in Roanoke.
The next morning, they set out again on their journey northeast.
The next morning, they set out again on their journey northeast.
Their picnic table beds behind a Church of the Brethren were better than the trampoline, friars decided.
Their picnic table beds behind a Church of the Brethren were better than the trampoline, friars decided.
June 23, “We met up with the pastor in the white shirt who gave us a wonderful lunch,” says Mark Soehner.
June 23, “We met up with the pastor in the white shirt who gave us a wonderful lunch,” says Mark Soehner.
When Mark and Ed left the trail for a meeting, the others continued on their own for two days.
When Mark and Ed left the trail for a meeting, the others continued on their own for two days.
The six pilgrims against a scenic backdrop, the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The six pilgrims against a scenic backdrop, the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In Lynchburg, Va., Mark sees Richard off as he departs for a two-week class.
In Lynchburg, Va., Mark sees Richard off as he departs for a two-week class.
Roger demonstrates Franciscan dish-washing.
Roger demonstrates Franciscan dish-washing.
On the road in Madison Heights, Va., leaving Lynchburg.
On the road in Madison Heights, Va., leaving Lynchburg.
Province of St. John the Baptist of the Order of Friars Minor ©2005