Saint Francis of Assisi Fraternity
Cornwall, PE
Meeting Place and Time:
St. Francis of Assisi Church
5 Lowther Drive,
Cornwall, PE
2nd Sunday of the month; 6:30 PM April to October; 2:00 PM November to March
WHAT IS A SECULAR FRANCISCAN? COME AND SEE!
Have you ever wondered about the Secular Franciscan Order? Are you called to learn more about God’s call to St. Francis and what it means to live as a Secular in our world? You are most welcome to come to an information meeting to learn how St. Francis lived the Gospel and by his witness helped others to become brothers and sisters in the world.
WHEN: Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., October 8
WHERE: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Cornwall, Board Room (upstairs)
We look forward to seeing you.
For information, please call 902-566-3830
St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity Annual Retreat at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center, New London, PEI. The retreat focused on St. Francis’ Song of Hope: Celebrating the Canticle of the Creatures and the Jubilee Year of Hope, and was facilitated by Friar Dan Gurnick, OFM. A number of members from all of the Atlantic Area fraternities attended.
Lorraine Gillan celebrates her 95th birthday with her sisters and brothers of St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity in July, 2025.
“Gone Fishing” at the St. Francis of Assisi Annual Retreat at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre, New London, PEI, September 5-7, 2025.
OFS member Doug Clorey gave a presentation about the San Damiano Crucifix to the parish at a Eucharistic celebration at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Cornwall, PEI.
The newly-elected Council (2024-2027) of Saint Francis of Assisi Fraternity with the Presider for the Elective Chapter, Les MacFarlane (RFEC Vice-Minister Eastern Ontario) standing at the podium. From left to right, Council members are: Mary Hagen- Formation Director, Doug Clorey- Vice-Minister, Joan McDonald- Minister, and Marion Marshall, Treasurer. Kathleen Swift- Secretary is pictured on the Zoom screen. Claudia Batchilder, who is the Spiritual Assistant for the Fraternity, is not present in this picture.
St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity held their Elective Chapter on Sunday,November 10, 2024. Members of the new Council include Joan McDonald (Minister), Doug Clorey (Vice-Minister), Kathleen Swift (Secretary) (Kathleen’s picture on Zoom screen), and Mary Hagen (Director of Formation). Missing from picture: Marion Marshall (Treasurer).
Members of the Outgoing Council of St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity. We thank you for your service to the fraternity over the past three years.
St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity Annual Retreat, September 2024. Members from the five Atlantic fraternities gathered together at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre in Hope River, PEI, with Fr. Pierre Charland for a wonderful Franciscan retreat!
Three members of the RFEC Regional Council with Brother Pierre Charland at the St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity Annual Retreat in PEI, September 2024.
Bishop Emeritus Most Rev. John Corriveau, ofmcap, recently traveled to Prince Edward Island to facilitate a retreat for our Diocesan priests. Br. John is the former Minister General of the Capuchins. He hails from Ontario and served as Bishop of Nelson, B. C for 10 years. While he was here, Br. John expressed a wish to meet with the Secular Franciscans on PEI.
Members of St. Francis of Assisi and Brother Leo fraternities gathered together to meet with Br. John; when he spoke, he challenged us to go out into the world and be a witness… make things happen! He stressed that Pope Francis is a Pope for our day, for our challenges, especially related to our common home, Mother Earth. In the spirit of synodality, he called Secular Franciscans to get involved and share our charism with our parish, with our Church, and with our local community.
St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity music team singing at an Earth Day concert, April 22, 2024
Lucia Gray’s Joyful Permanent Profession
St. Francis of Assis Fraternity, Cornwall, PEI
On October 8, 2023, our sister Lucia Traverse Gray made her Permanent Profession into the OFS (that’s us)! Lucia stood in the Basilica-Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St. John’s, Newfoundland surrounded by her family, by several members of the former St. Padre Pio group, and by three members of her St. Francis of Assisi fraternity. She stated her request and proclaimed her intention to live her life following Jesus in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. Lucia made her commitment before approximately 500 parishioners of St. John the Baptist parish at the 11:00AM Mass, at which Fr. Cecil Critch, the rector, presided.
The excitement, joy, and appreciation of Lucia’s journey was palpable among those present, as well as among those who joined the celebration via the live stream! Father Cecil provided a huge cake in honour of this occasion for the entire congregation to celebrate with our newly professed sister. After the reception at the Basilica, Lucia hosted a potluck gathering at her home, with 35 family and friends who came together to congratulate Lucia, celebrate this meaningful life moment with her, and have some good old-fashioned Newfoundland fun!