( 08min) >>> Play

For the Franciscans of the Immaculate in Perth, Western Australia, the beginning of Lent was not so penitential this year, as they were blessed to have the visit of Fr. Gabriel M. Pellettieri, our Cofounder. He arrived in Perth after a visit to the Philippines and, after staying a week in Perth visiting the friars and sisters, he returned to Italy.

Ave Maria!

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Fi News #65 – Construction begins on a new Friary for Our Lady in Bloomington, IN ( 04min) >>> Play

Ave Maria!

Just when you thought no more exciting news could come from Bloomington we have here the video of the Ground Breaking Ceremony for our new friary which is to hold 35 friars. Thank you to all our benefactors and please keep this project in your prayers.

Ave Maria!

Audio (MP3)

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Fi News #66 – Rare Abominable Snow Friar spotted and video taped at Bloomington, IN ( 03min) >>> Play

Ave Maria!

Yes, I know another video of sledding friars. Apparently, I was supposed to post this one first and the one I posted first was simply to give the “friar-cam” views that weren’t included in this one. Well, I guess I lost track. Its hard to keep up with these sledding friars from Bloomington, IN! Anyways, this one is done to some rather humerus music and features some classic friar wipe outs and beards full of snow. Enjoy!

Ave Maria!

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Fi News #64 – Fr. Elias with sled on the precipice. ( 03min) >>> Play

Ave Maria!

Fr. Elias and the other friars and local youth sled down the l-o-o-o-o-ng steep hill at our Bloomington, IN Friary. He even carried a friar cam with him so you can get an on-sled view of the action.  So click play and hang on tight!!

Ave Maria!

Audio (MP3)

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Fi News #63 – Team of volunteers set the new altar top in place. ( 05min) >>> Play

Ave Maria!

Recently the renovations for the chapel at our friary in Bloomington, IN were completed with a full refurbishment of the Sanctuary.  It now has an altar rail, stained glass, and a new altar and rererdos suitable for the Traditional Latin Mass. Archbishop Daniel Mark Buechlein, O.S.B. performed the consecration ceremony. The ground breaking for the new friary, which occurred the same day, will be posted as a separate video.

Ave Maria!

Audio (MP3)

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Immaculate Music #28 – Christmas in Bloomington, In  ( 04min) >>> Play

Ave Maria!

Well today  is the last day of Christmas decorations at our friaries in the Franciscans of the Immaculate. Yes, we are slow to take them down, but since we are a Marian order, we extend the Christmas season to the last feastday in the Joyful Mysteries which is  today, the Feast of the Presentation. Anyways, here is a beautiful video of the Christmas lights and decorations at our friary in Bloomington, IN. You will also get a good view of their new altar and sanctuary refurbishment. The music is by the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate.

Ave Maria!

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Roving Reporter #92 – Steven Gajdosik, at the Radio Cormariae Fund raising Dinner   ( 17min) >>> Play

Ave Maria!

Steven Gajdosik, president of Catholic Radio Association:

The Catholic Radio Association was founded in 1999 to serve as the trade association for Catholic radio. As such, the CRA works to advance the cause of Catholic radio by providing member services, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and resources, and speaking with one voice for its members. The Association’s membership includes virtually all Catholic radio apostolates in the country, Catholic radio program providers, the USCCB, and several (arch)dioceses.

By uniting all involved in Catholic radio, the CRA provides a forum for those already working in Catholic radio to share with and mentor those that Our Lord has just recently called to the mission of Catholic radio. The CRA also provides a means of networking with, and marketing to, those involved in Catholic radio.

Ave Maria!

Audio (MP3)

Roving Reporter #89 – Story-time with Friar Anthony in the kitchen ( 08min) >>> Play

Ave Maria!

Recently the ‘Italian’ Roving Reporter had a chance to catch up with Friar Anthony M. Servium at Villa Santa Lucia in Italy.  Friar Anthony recounted a fascinating story regarding Padre Pio and his prophecy that a new shrine would be built between the town of Pietrelcina and the cave where the Archangel St. Michael appeared many centuries ago.  Guess which religious order (apparently) has the privilege of fulfilling this prophecy?  We also hope you enjoy some of the beautiful scenes of the friars’ hike to the town of Monte Sant’Angelo.

[Note: Thanks for the encouraging comments from my last report at Villa Santa Lucia with Friar Anthony & Friar Josemaria.  It's great to hear from everyone, and be assured of my prayers and sacrifices.  (Note to Mr. Dietz: please don't Fed-Ex any burgers...there's already too much food over here!) In the next video, I hope to take you on a brief tour of Bosco ai Frati, a famous Franciscan convent which is now our postulant house in Italy.]

Ave Maria!

Audio (MP3)

FI News #61 – David putting on the “New Man”. ( 06min) >>> Play

Ave Maria!

Here in Griswold CT. a fourth novice was received into the novitiate on the vigil of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Keep David in your prayers that he puts on the “New Man”. From now on David will be known as Friar…

Ave Maria!

Our Contemplative Sisters in Lanherne, England are featured in an article by Father Joseph M Taylor on New Liturgical Movement complete with a long article and beautiful pictures, a few of which are included below. It focuses on the Sisters use of the complete 1962 Office and Missal. It also mentions the Sisters’ need for donations.

The Skull of English Martyr, St. Cuthbert Mayne

Thank you Fr. Taylor and NLM