On December 12, Catholics in the Americas celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which today is the most popular Christian shrine in the world. Franciscans were there at the beginning of this story.
On December 8, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially significant for Franciscans, as under this title we honor Mary as patroness of our Order.
On November 29, the Franciscan family celebrates the Feast of All Saints of the Seraphic Order – remembering the countless Franciscan men and women who have lived out the Gospel of Jesus Christ by following the patterns of life left by Francis and Clare of Assisi.
On November 26, Franciscans around the world honor the memory of Saint Leonard of Port Maurice (1676–1751), famous preacher of parish missions.
On November 13, Franciscans in most countries celebrate the memory of St. Didacus (Diego) of Alcalá (c.1400-1463), known for his life of humble service and as the Patron of San Diego, California.
On November 17, we celebrate the memory of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary or Thuringia (1207–1231), a Franciscan laywoman who is venerated today as patroness of Secular Franciscans and of the many congregations of women and men following the Franciscan Third Order Regular Rule.
On November 8, Franciscans honor the memory of Blessed John Duns Scotus (c.1266-1308), one of the greatest of medieval theologians.
In St. Peter's Square on October 20, 2024 — World Mission Day — Pope Francis canonized the Martyrs of Damascus. These new saints of the Catholic Church include eight Franciscan friars and three lay Maronites.
The International Society of Franciscan Studies, a partnership between the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University and the Franciscan Study Center at Tilburg University, Netherlands, has recently been launched.
