The Franciscan Tapestry — November 2, 2026

The Franciscan Tapestry — Weekly digest, Monday, November 2, 2026

A weekly gathering of news, formation, and events for the brothers and sisters of the Divine Mercy Region — woven from our local fraternities, OFS-USA, and the wider Franciscan family across the nation and around the world.

A greeting for All Souls’ Day

Peace and all good, brothers and sisters.

On this All Souls’ Day, Monday, November 2, we commend to God’s mercy all the faithful departed, and in a special way the brothers and sisters of our own Divine Mercy Region named in the November remembrance list below. They walked this Franciscan way with us, in fraternities across Michigan and Ohio, and we remember them with gratitude and prayer.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE

Divine Mercy Regional Fraternity Deceased, Reported August 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no one living can escape. — St. Francis of Assisi

This list is reproduced exactly as attached to the source email below. It is not presented as a complete October 2025–October 2026 list, and September–October 2026 deaths are not covered by it.

  • St. Anthony / Indian River #102 — Annette Dolan, OFS (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Gaylord), February 3, 2026; Shirley Wolf, OFS (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Gaylord), August 28, 2025
  • Queen of Angels / Sanford #107 — Robert Brady, OFS, April 28, 2026
  • St. Louis the King / White Lake #108 — Peggy Counts, OFS, October 1, 2025
  • St. Joseph / Ann Arbor #111 — Theresa Raymond, OFS (St. Joseph, Monroe), August 8, 2026; Arlene Shepherd, OFS (St. Francis, Jackson), November 5, 2025; Bernard Tiffany, OFS, June 18, 2026
  • St. Bonaventure / Detroit #112 — James Heymes, OFS, October 2, 2025; Anna Ortega-Seitz, OFS, August 9, 2025; Ben Stapel, OFS, May 31, 2026; Dan Atkinson, OFS, August 4, 2026; Mary Myler, OFS, August 30, 2026
  • Our Mother of Sorrows / Grand Rapids #113 — Judy Lukassen, OFS (Mary Queen of Apostles, Sand Lake), November 14, 2025; Marie Nicholas, OFS (Divine Providence, Kalamazoo), September 14, 2025; Francis Thompson, OFS (St. Isidore, Grand Rapids), January 19, 2026
  • St. Joseph / Grand Blanc #115 — Theresa Dorsey Newblatt, OFS, August 28, 2025; Walter Schoendorff, OFS, August 20, 2025
  • St. Elizabeth of Hungary / Southfield #122 — Una Blanche McKenzie, OFS, September 24, 2025; Irene Erard, OFS, April 8, 2026; Lillian Timma, OFS, June 10, 2026
  • St. Anthony of Padua / Dearborn #123 — Stanley Adamczyk, OFS, September 2, 2025; Daniella Blad, OFS (Our Lady Queen of Angels, Detroit), March 22, 2024; John Merconi, OFS, February 4, 2026
  • St. Paschal / Toledo #125 — Rosemary Hannaford, OFS, May 5, 2026
  • St. Francis / Sterling Heights #133 — Doris Karlowski, OFS, September 5, 2025; Josephine Armstrong, OFS, February 24, 2026; Hannelore Taylor, OFS, May 27, 2026

Source: Theresa Brown, OFS, DMR Database Committee Mgr, email, October 27, 2026, 8:47 am EDT, subject “Re: Divine Mercy Region members deceased in the past year — for November remembrance,” to the region mailbox, attachment “2025-08 – 2026-08 DMRF Deceased.docx/pdf.”

MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTIONS

Pope’s Monthly Prayer Intention — November 2026

For the proper use of wealth. “Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be at the service of the common good and in solidarity with those who have less.” Sources: https://ciofs.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EN-Monthly-Intentions-2026.pdf and https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/

CIOFS / OFS Intentions — November 2026

For the YouFra international assembly in Assisi and for the CIOFS Presidency. OFS Prayer for Vocations for November: for the elderly, sick and retired OFS brothers and sisters. Source: https://ciofs.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EN-Monthly-Intentions-2026.pdf

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

This week

  • Monday, November 2, 2026, 7:30–8:30 pm — Election Eve Prayers, online. Franciscan Action Network / Pax Christi USA online prayer service. Source: https://paxchristiusa.org/votepax-2026-protect-the-midterm-elections/
  • Wednesday, November 4, 2026 — Wednesday Bible Study, Capuchin Retreat Center, 62460 Mt. Vernon, Washington, MI 48094. 1:00–2:00 pm in person & online; 5:45–6:45 pm in person. Hosted by Sally McCuen, OFS. Source: https://www.capretreat.org/
  • Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 5:30 pm — God Bless America Mass, St. Ann, Cadillac, followed by 7:00 pm Brews with the Bishop for young adults 21–39. Source: https://dioceseofgaylord.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/God%20Bless%20America%20Masses%20flyer.pdf
  • Thursday, November 5, 2026, 6:30–7:30 pm Adoration with Bishop Edward M. Lohse, followed by 7:30–9:00 pm social — Gethsemane Night for young adults 18–35, St. Augustine Cathedral Parish, Kalamazoo. Source: https://diokzoo.flocknote.com/note/39029945
  • Thursday, November 5, 2026, 7:00–8:00 pm — Bilingual Archdiocesan Holy Hour for Restructuring and Vocations, Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton, Celebrant; Gerardo Butalid, Music. All are invited to pray for Archdiocesan Restructuring and vocations to the priesthood, permanent diaconate, and consecrated life. Source: https://restructuring.aod.org/events-1

Coming in November

  • Saturday–Monday, November 7–9, 2026 — 2026 Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference: “Ours to Do,” Washington, DC area, with the Franciscan Action Network and the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities. Keynote: Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv. Training in nonviolent communication and civic engagement; Capitol Hill advocacy on Monday, November 9, on democracy/voting rights and immigration. Registration closed October 1, so this is listed for prayer and following, not as open registration. Source: https://franciscanaction.org/2026-franciscan-justice-leadership-conference/
  • Monday, November 9 – Sunday, November 15, 2026 — World Week of the Poor, proposed by the Ministers General of the Franciscan Family for national Franciscan families, ending on the World Day of the Poor, Sunday, November 15. Prayer services shared by OFS-USA JPIC animators for fraternities to use during the week: Monday, November 9 — Humility (Jerome Wagner); Thursday, November 12 — Dignity (Jerome Wagner); and Accompaniment (Susan Tabor, PDF attached to the forwarded message). Sources: https://ofmjpic.org/en/franciscan-families-call-for-a-world-week-of-the-poor-in-2026-for-the-800th-anniversary-of-the-death-of-st-francis/ ; Humility slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1z_vjRGlnBZK4HSDMIhyQVTaxBLbtbu2QyxMO-yJzcpU/edit?usp=sharing ; Dignity slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1UwttHl-KaxOzM70FX0myjrOJmHULRgHUt06hpOS_lQM/edit?usp=sharing ; Kathleen Carsten, OFS, email, November 2, 2026, 5:50 pm EST, “This is for tapestry,” forwarding Joe Makley, OFS, Animator, Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission, OFS-USA, NAFRA-L, November 2, 2026.
  • Monday, November 9, 2026, 6:30 pm — “Tolton: From Slave to Priest,” Maumee Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee, OH. Film/play on Fr. Augustus Tolton, as part of the Diocese of Toledo’s Black Catholic History Month. Source: https://toledodiocese.org/diocesan-news/diocese-of-toledo-to-celebrate-black-catholic-history-month
  • Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 7:00 pm — “Saint Francis: The Legacy of an Artist” screening, Cincinnati Art Museum. Documentary featuring Br. Murray Bodo, OFM. Source: https://friars.us/article/2026/10/13/new-film-about-st.-francis-features-our-own-br.-murray-bodo–ofm
  • Thursday, November 12, 2026, 7:00–9:00 pm — St. Louis the King Fraternity visitation, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, White Lake, Michigan. Source: venue and time given by Mike, October 26, 2026; also listed on the Divine Mercy Region Elections & Visitations calendar.
  • Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11:00 am–4:00 pm — Spiritual Assistant In-Person Gathering, St. Joseph Chapel, 400 South Blvd. West, Pontiac, MI 48341. Lunch included; Noon Mass on the Franciscan martyrs of Jerusalem. Hosted by Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM. Source: Michelle Bryk email, October 9, 2026, to Mike’s personal email, on behalf of Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM.
  • Sunday, November 15, 2026, 1:30 pm — St. Bonaventure Detroit Profession Mass, followed by dinner in the Solanus Center dining room, Solanus Casey Center, 1780 Mt. Elliott St., Detroit, MI 48207. No professed names, contact person, or registration link/flyer were given. Source: Eileen Smith email, October 28, 2026, 3:49 pm EDT, to the region mailbox, in reply to the digest information request.
  • Tuesday, November 17, 2026 — Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Patroness of the Third Order, and the Annual International Day of OFS Solidarity. Source: Divine Mercy Region Events calendar; https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/
  • Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 7:00 pm — Concert Celebrating Americans on the Road to Sainthood, Maumee Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee, OH, reception to follow. Diocese of Toledo Black Catholic History Month. Source: https://toledodiocese.org/diocesan-news/diocese-of-toledo-to-celebrate-black-catholic-history-month
  • Thursday, November 19, 2026, 6:30 pm — Revival, St. Martin de Porres, Toledo, OH. Diocese of Toledo Black Catholic History Month. Source: https://toledodiocese.org/diocesan-news/diocese-of-toledo-to-celebrate-black-catholic-history-month
  • Saturday, November 21, 2026, 11:30 am — Prayer Luncheon and Potluck, St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, OH, keynote ValLimar Jansen. Diocese of Toledo Black Catholic History Month. Source: https://toledodiocese.org/diocesan-news/diocese-of-toledo-to-celebrate-black-catholic-history-month
  • Sunday, November 22, 2026, 10:30 am Mass, with reception and auction — African Harvest Festival, Catholic Church of St. Moses the Black, 1125 Oakman Blvd., Detroit, MI. Music, food, auction, celebrating African Christian heritage; all welcome. Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/De97MVwppb3/ (parish Instagram @churchofstmosestheblack, posted October 26, 2026)
  • Sunday, November 29, 2026 — First Sunday of Advent. In 2026, November 29 is the First Sunday of Advent, which takes precedence in the liturgical calendar.

December and beyond — advance notice

  • Tuesday, December 8 – Friday, December 11, 2026 — “Francis Among Us” relic pilgrimage stop, St. Peter in the Loop, Chicago, IL. A relic of St. Francis of Assisi from La Verna, Italy, travelling through Franciscan communities in the United States and Puerto Rico as a conclusion to the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, with prayer, Eucharist, fraternity, education and encounter at each stop. Source: Kathleen Carsten, OFS, email, October 30, 2026, “item for posting,” to the region mailbox, attachment “Relic Pilgrimage – Francis Among Us – NAFRA-RM.docx”.
  • Saturday, December 12, 2026, 1:00–3:00 pm — Election: St. Anthony Fraternity (56-102), Cross in the Woods Shrine, 7078 M-68, Indian River, MI 49749. Source: Divine Mercy Region Elections & Visitations calendar.
  • Wednesday, December 16 – Friday, December 18, 2026 — “Francis Among Us” relic pilgrimage stop, St. Anthony Shrine, Cincinnati, OH. Source: Kathleen Carsten, OFS, email, October 30, 2026, “item for posting,” to the region mailbox, attachment “Relic Pilgrimage – Francis Among Us – NAFRA-RM.docx”.
  • Saturday, January 23, 2027, 1:00 pm ET — Franciscan Federation 2027 Virtual Annual Retreat, “Messengers of Healing and Hope,” with Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF, and Dr. Cynthia Zane. Registration was to open in early November 2026. Source: https://franfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/September-2026-Newsletter-Franciscan-Federation.pdf
  • Saturday, February 27, 2027, time TBD — Canonical Establishment of Our Lady of Good Success, Holy Family Catholic Parish, 9669 Kraft Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316. Source: Kathleen Carsten, OFS, email, October 25, 2026 (year confirmed as 2027 by Mike).

NEWS AND FORMATION

Formation Friday — October 30, 2026

Formation Friday, October 30, 2026, from Diane F. Menditto, OFS, Vice Minister, National Fraternity, OFS-USA: “Focus on the Admonitions (XV, XVII, XVIII).” In her own summary: Admonition XV, on peace, calls the truly peacemaking person one who preserves peace of spirit and body whatever they suffer, out of love of Christ. Admonition XVII, on the humble servant of God, warns against exalting oneself over good done through oneself more than good done through another. Admonition XVIII, on compassion for a neighbor, blesses the person who supports a neighbor in weakness as they would wish to be supported. Discussion questions ask how Admonition XV shapes dealings with family, friends, social media and political discussion; what qualities mark a servant leader who gives self to God; and how Admonition XVIII encourages outreach to those less fortunate. A Korean translation was attached. Source: Diane Menditto email, October 30, 2026, 12:00 pm EDT, subject “NAFRA-ALUM Formation Friday October 30, 2026,” to Mike’s personal email via the NAFRA lists. Link in the email: https://www.franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/writings-of-francis/the-undated-writings/the-admonitions/144-fa-ed-1-page-128

“Welcome to The Piazza” — Franciscan Connections, October 28, 2026

Franciscan Connections’ newest post, “Welcome to The Piazza,” introduces the Franciscan Federation’s new digital gathering place, on the Circle platform, modelled on a town square in Assisi — a year-round space to learn, pray, connect and act, rather than a feed to consume. No newer Franciscan Connections post than October 28 was found at run time. Sources: https://franciscanconnections.com/ and https://franfed.org/welcome-to-the-piazza/

Black Catholic History Month in November

Detroit Catholic marks November as Black Catholic History Month — a month of remembrance and celebration, noting All Saints (November 1), All Souls (November 2), St. Martin de Porres (November 3) and St. Augustine (born November 13) — in a reflection by Vickie Figueroa, associate director for cultural ministries and coordinator of Black Catholic ministry. Source: https://www.detroitcatholic.com/voices/november-a-month-of-remembrance-and-celebration-in-black-catholic-history

The Diocese of Toledo’s Black Catholic History Month events (see Calendar) were posted October 30, 2026. Source: https://toledodiocese.org/diocesan-news/diocese-of-toledo-to-celebrate-black-catholic-history-month

“Black Catholics: Footsteps to Sainthood” — Sr. Thea Bowman

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration note a six-part documentary series, “Black Catholics: Footsteps to Sainthood,” hosted by Dr. Ansel Augustine and beginning in November, telling the stories of six Black Catholics on the path to sainthood, including FSPA Sr. Thea Bowman. Source: https://www.fspa.org/news/ (item dated October 27, 2026)

From Chasing the Wild Goose — Mike’s own writing

“Beyond the Ballot” — November 1, 2026. Mike reflects on peacemaking in a polarized election season, drawing on OFS Rule Article 15, St. Francis’s turn from warfare after Collestrada and imprisonment in Perugia to nonviolence, and Fr. Michael Crosby’s contrast between worldly power and Gospel vulnerability. His argument: casting a ballot takes minutes; the test of profession begins the morning after the results, in homes, fraternities and parishes — feeding the hungry, stocking food pantries, and seeing Christ in every person met. Source: https://ofsmike.com/2026/11/01/beyond-the-ballot/

“The Theology of the Paper Tag” — November 2, 2026. Mike writes on seeing Christ in the Giving Tree: in mid-November, the 10th World Day of the Poor (November 15) is followed by St. Elizabeth of Hungary and the International Day of OFS Solidarity (November 17), just as parish trees bearing humble paper tags appear — at St. Paul on the Lake, St. Anastasia, St. Edith and beyond. A tag, he argues, is not a shopping assignment but a bridge: charity gives what is left over, solidarity gives oneself, after the example of St. Elizabeth, who gave from her own resources and washed the wounds of the sick. Source: Chasing the Wild Goose WordPress notification email, November 2, 2026, 9:04 am EST, to Mike’s personal email; https://ofsmike.com/

Bl. Solanus Casey Essay Prizes — submissions due June 1, 2027

The Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph opened a call for entries on October 12, 2026, for the 2026–2027 Bl. Solanus Casey Essay Prizes, for graduate students in any discipline at a U.S. accredited college or university. Prizes: $2,500 / $1,000 / $500; winners announced July 2027. Sources: https://www.thecapuchins.org/news-releases and https://www.detroitcatholic.com/news/capuchins-invite-scholars-to-participate-in-2026-27-blessed-solanus-casey-essay-contest

REGIONAL MINISTER’S 2026 STATE OF THE REGION REPORT

Kathleen Carsten, OFS, Regional Minister’s 2026 State of the Region report, presented September 11–13, 2026, at the Capuchin Retreat Center, Washington Township, Michigan, on behalf of the Regional Executive Council. In brief, in the digest’s own words: the Region counts 18 active fraternities, 2 emerging fraternities and 2 cells; 383 active professed members (391 in 2025), 40 candidates and 31 aspirants. Regional Guidelines were approved in October 2025 and ratified in April 2026. Plans for September 2026–August 2027 include preparation for the 2027 election, July 30–August 1, 2027, with an early nominating committee. The report frames the numbers through the story of Melvin, a man Kathleen accompanied in her faith community nurse ministry, and through Francis’s call to “rebuild my Church” — renewal, it argues, begins by seeing each person, listening, and taking one faithful action at a time, such as a telephone tree, transportation to gatherings, or one personal visit a month. Source: Kathleen Carsten email, October 27, 2026, 12:01 pm EDT, subject “Chapter Reports: DMR Minister, Appointed Positions, and Appointed Positions Pending Submission,” to the region mailbox, attachments “2026 Narrative DMR Report of State of the Union.pdf” and “2026 DMR State of the Region Power Point.pdf”. Full report (PDF, 5 pages): https://drive.google.com/file/d/14UF2Tvv71leT4O58Z88R35jXG7UeUlXW/view?usp=drivesdk

A NOTE TO DIVINE MERCY REGION FRATERNITY MINISTERS

A Note to Divine Mercy Region Fraternity Ministers — Peace! To help us share your fraternity’s news and events with the whole Divine Mercy Region, please send your upcoming event information to me at divinemercyofs@gmail.com, with any flyers or other necessary materials. For each event, please include the event name, date and time, location and address, host fraternity, contact person, and any registration link or flyer. Sending it as early as possible helps us give everyone advance notice in the digest and on the region Events page. Thank you! Mike

OFS-USA

SPIRITUAL ASSISTANCE

  • “Francis Among Us” — see Calendar above for the nearest stops for Divine Mercy Region members: Chicago, December 8–11, 2026, and Cincinnati, December 16–18, 2026. Source: Kathleen Carsten, OFS, email, October 30, 2026, “item for posting,” to the region mailbox, attachment “Relic Pilgrimage – Francis Among Us – NAFRA-RM.docx”.

  • Fraternitas 390 — still to appear. Fraternitas, the OFM International Bulletin, Volume LIX, Edition 390, dated October 22, 2026, was still not listed on the OFM Fraternitas page at run time on November 2, 2026; the list still ends at Edition 389 (October 7, 2026). No contents are summarized here, and cover information is not presented as contents. Source: https://www.ofm.org/en/fraternitas-10303.html

  • OFM Minister General letter for the Solemnity of St. Francis 2026 (September 24, 2026). The Minister General and Definitorium wrote for the solemnity, marking the 800th anniversary of Francis’s death and the year’s public exposition of his remains. Source: https://ofm.org/en/letter-from-the-minister-general-and-the-definitorium-on-the-occasion-of-the-solemnity-of-saint-francis-2026.html

  • OFM Conventual — Minister General in Sicily, October 20–24, 2026. Minister General Fr. Carlos Alberto Trovarelli visited Sicily to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Transitus; related late-October items mark the 40th anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi (October 25–27). Source: https://www.ofmconv.net/en/tag/minister-general/

  • Capuchin — IX Plenary Council of the Order, Rome, October 10–31, 2026. Scheduled by the 2024 General Chapter to reflect on mission, fraternal collaboration and San Lorenzo fraternities, ahead of the 500th anniversary of the Capuchin Reform (1528–2028). No outcome report was found at run time. Source: https://www.ofmcap.org/en/approaching-a-plenary-council-of-the-order/

  • Conference of National Spiritual Assistants — Fr. Marek Stybor’s six reflections as the 2026 Chapter concluded. Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv., president-in-turn of the CNSA, offered six closing reflections: the Holy Spirit as Minister General; the Chapter as Magnificat; Psalm 87; “The Lord gave me…”; Francis asking nothing for himself; and Benedict XVI’s three expressions on Francis. Source: https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2026/10/guided-by-the-holy-spirit-fr-marek-offers-six-reflections-as-the-2026-chapter-concludes/

  • Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe — “Saint Francis: The Legacy of an Artist” screening, November 10, 2026, 7:00 pm, Cincinnati Art Museum — see Calendar. Source: https://friars.us/article/2026/10/13/new-film-about-st.-francis-features-our-own-br.-murray-bodo–ofm

CIOFS

FRANCISCANS INTERNATIONAL

  • Franciscans visit oil-affected communities as they prepare for Uganda’s UPR — October 20, 2026. Franciscans International visited Uganda for a workshop and met diplomatic missions, civil society and Franciscan leadership, and visited five communities affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, ahead of Uganda’s Universal Periodic Review, with pre-sessions in the week of November 16, 2026, and the review set for January 21, 2027. A joint stakeholders’ submission covered children’s rights, gender-based violence, human trafficking, detainees, and business and environmental impacts. No Franciscans International item dated October 26–November 2, 2026, was verified at run time; this October 20 item is the latest verified. Source: https://franciscansinternational.org/latest/?tag=africa-program

FRANCISCAN ACTION NETWORK

Franciscan Justice Circles in Michigan

The Michigan Franciscan Justice Circle’s established 2026 pattern is Wednesdays at 7:00 pm ET via Zoom. No specific November 2026 Michigan meeting date was confirmed in a current FAN source at run time, so no November date is listed here; to join, see https://franciscanaction.org/join-fjc/ and the Justice Circles page at https://franciscanaction.org/franciscan-justice-circles/. In September 2026, the Michigan Circle submitted Letters to the Editor to six Michigan newspapers concerning ICE and DHS actions, published in four papers (FAN Weekly Newsletter, September 15, 2026). Source: https://franciscanaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/9.15-2026-Weekly-Newsletter.pdf

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Response

  1. Jeralyn Mary Wisniewski Avatar
    Jeralyn Mary Wisniewski

    I am disheartened that the sanctity of unborn life in the womb is ever championed by our Regional Fraternity. Without protection and justice for the unborn, how can justice and protection of all creation be professed ? I am considering leaving the OFS because of this and other serious issues. Loving you in Christ and praying for all of our Franciscan brothers and sisters.

    Reply

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