Fr. Lester: You need to have impact (Day 2)

When it comes to serving others – such as in a soup kitchen – “it’s not so much what you do, but how you do it.”

In other words, it’s about building relationships, noted Capuchin Friar Lester Bach, a featured presenter on Day 2 of the Quinquennial Congress.

Fr. Dan focuses on creation, poverty (Day 2)

Keynoter Fr. Dan Horan, OFM, took the Quinquennial Congress throng – now up to 595 attendees – on a journey of “mercy and minority” in the Franciscan tradition Friday, July 1. He delved into “creation and poverty” – recognizing, as all Franciscans are called to do, a universal kinship with all of creation, and coming to understand the reality of Franciscan poverty as something more, as something holding richer depth than the simple phrase of “being poor in spirit.”

Priest author shares his dream (Day 1)

Fr. Murray Bodo, OFM, was in the midst of a personal crisis when St. Anthony Messenger Press asked him to write a book about St. Francis of Assisi. He couldn’t, he thought. Besides, he was extremely busy teaching and carrying out other duties. Then the editor told him he would be taking time off and going to Assisi.

A sound of awe murmured through the audience at the Quinquennial Congress Thursday evening (June 30).

“That’s the same thing I said,” he responded to the crowd. Of course, he told the editor, “yes!”

’My heart came to life’ (Day 1)

ST. LOUIS, MO -- “As soon as I hit the door, my heart came to life.”

That comment by Fr. Pio Jackson, OFM, perhaps summed up best what the opening of the Quinquennial Congress meant to a throng of Secular Franciscans, friars and religious sisters.

The Q Boasts 5 Featured Speakers

The main presenters at the 2016 Quinquennial Congress include three well known friars and two Secular Franciscans immersed in JPIC (Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation) and YouFra (Franciscan Youth).

Extra Hotel Rooms Now Available

There are hotel rooms for everyone! A contract has been signed with the Pear Tree Hotel - which is minutes from the Renaissance hotel. The room rate is $89.99 per night and that same rate will hold for a few days before and a few days after the events of the Q.

Q Tip: Put Your Blessings in Bags

One of the ways to live the Quinquennial’s “Reviving Our Spirit” theme is by taking part in Operation Blessing  Bag.

Gallon-size ziplock bags will be filled with travel-size toiletries, snacks, socks, etc. and, at the end of the Q, donated to St. Anthony’s Food Pantry, which provides food and clothing to those in need in St. Louis.