THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS, TOR

Advent Workshop Series
2021-12-07 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | St. Bernardine Monastery, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648
Part 3 of 4: Join the friars for a time of reflection, prayer, and fellowship exploring Advent themes. A lite lunch with the friars will follow the workshop at noon. Registration is REQUIRED.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation)
2021-12-08

Advent Workshop Series
2021-12-14 10:00 - 13:00 | St. Bernardine Monastery, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648
Part 4 of 4: Join the friars for a time of reflection, prayer, and fellowship exploring Advent themes. A lite lunch with the friars will follow the workshop at noon. Registration is REQUIRED.

Christmas at the Monastery
2021-12-19 11:00 - 16:00 | St. Bernardine Monastery, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648
Tours of of the Monastery on the half hour with lite refreshments between tours.

Lessons and Carols Serivce
2021-12-19 16:00 - 17:00 | St. Bernardine Monastery Chapel, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648
A service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. In this service, we listen to nine Scripture lessons which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson’s message and a brief prayer.

Christmas Eve
2021-12-24
Office and Gift Shop Closed

Christmas Day
2021-12-25
Gift Shop Closed

New Year's Eve
2021-12-31

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (New Year's Day) (Holy Dayof Obligation)
2022-01-01

Enrichment Days 2023
2023-05-10 10:00 - 13:00 | St. Bernardine Monastery Chapel, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648
Class, Mass, and Lunch with the Friars
$20 per workshop – Must pre-register with payment
10:00 AM-1:00 PM

May 10th: The Eastern Rite of the Catholic Church
July 12th: Vatican II
Aug. 16th: The Church and LGBTQ Community
Sept. 13th: The Mass

Feast of St. Anthony-Day of Celebration
2023-06-13 10:00
June 13th – 10:00 AM
St. Bernardine Monastery Front Lawn

Outdoor Mass
Blessing of St. Anthony’s Bread
Blessing with First Class Relic of St. Anthony
Outdoor BBQ Lunch (Pre-purchase meal ticket)

Adult Enrichment: "The Catholic Church and the LGBTQ Community"
2023-08-16 10:00 - 13:00 | St. Bernardine Monastery, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648

Adult Enrichment: "The Mass"
2023-09-13 10:00 - 13:00 | St. Bernardine Monastery, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648

Franciscan Creation Festival
2023-10-07 10:00 - 16:00 | St. Bernardine Monastery, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648
Craft Vendors, Food Trucks, Petting Zoo, Kids Activities, Garage Sale, Friar’s Nook Gift Shop Fall Fling Sale
Rosary at 3:00 PM
Pet Blessing at 3:30 PM
Mass at 4:00 PM
For more info, please go to:
https://fb.me/e/2JjIcQP2y?mibextid=Gg3lNB

Feast of St. Francis-Franciscan Creation Festival
2023-10-07 10:00 - 17:00
October 7th -10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Craft vendors
Food trucks
Rummage Sale
Gift Shop Fall Fling Sale
Rosary at 2:00 PM
Pet Blessing at 3:00 PM
Mass at 4:00 PM
Bring a lawn chair or blanket for Mass!

ADVENT - THE TWO COMINGS OF CHRIST
2023-11-29
https://www.thefranciscanfriars.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Advent-Series-2023.mp4

Wednesdays Nov. 29th, Dec. 6th, 13th, and 20th
Each Advent, we celebrate a new beginning. Although we enter into these four weeks as a time of preparation for Christmas and recalling the birth of the Lord, the Scriptures of the season begin by calling to mind the end time and the return of Christ. This is also part of Advent-to help us prepare for the return of Christ in glory. It’s not a matter of either/or but both/and.
Join us for our Advent Reflections as we explore the Sunday Scriptures. Beginning on Wednesday, November 29 and on each of the Wednesdays of Advent we will reflect on the Scriptures for the coming weekend. By anticipating the Scriptures and themes for each, you will have a greater appreciation for them and, hopefully, have a more fruitful and spiritual Advent.
The first 30 registrants will be assigned to the Daytime Advent Reflections which will begin at 10:00 AM and include a reflection on the Scriptures, the celebration of Holy Mass, and lunch with the friars. This workshop will be $20 per class or $60 for the four-week series. If there is enough demand, we will host an Evening Advent Reflections which will begin at 6:30 PM and include a reflection on the Scriptures and a prayer service. The evening class will be $10 per class or $30 for the four-week series.
All classes will be held at St. Bernardine Monastery, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg. To register for the workshop, please send your payment to:
Franciscan Friars, TOR
PO Box 139
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
For questions, please call 814-695-3802. We look forward to seeing you!

Lenten Soup Sale
2024-02-13 11:00 - 13:30 | Friar’s Nook Gift Shop, 793 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648
Prepare for Ash Wednesday the right way by picking up your Monastery-Made Meatless soup on Tuesday, February 13th! You don’t even have to get out of your car!
Location: The Friar’s Nook Gift Shop
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Cost: $7.00 per quart and includes a small loaf of bread

Lenten Lunch Fish Fry Fridays
2024-02-16 11:00 - 13:30 | Friar’s Nook Gift Shop, 793 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648
Always looking for that Friday lunch fix? Look no further than “Lent Lunch Fish Fry Fridays” at The Friar’s Nook Gift Shop! Bites Food Truck will be serving up delicious food Fridays during Lent except Good Friday!
Lunch includes fish sandwich, mac and cheese, and stewed tomatoes
Location: The Friar’s Nook Gift Shop
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Cost: $10.00

Lenten Reflections
2024-02-21
Although we may still be recovering from the celebration of Christmas, Lent is quickly approaching. During these weeks, the Church and the Scriptures for the season invite us back into the desert–a place of quiet–to simplify our lives so we can deepen our relationship with God and one another and grow in the awareness that only God can satisfy our deepest hungers.
Join the Franciscan Friars for four weeks of Lenten Reflections, beginning on Wednesday, February 21st . Through reflection, prayer, and fellowship we will journey together towards the abundant life of Easter!
The first 30 registrants will be assigned to the Daytime Lenten Reflections which will begin at 10:00 AM and include a Lenten reflection, the celebration of Holy Mass, and lunch with the friars. This workshop will be $20 per class or $60 for the four-week series. If there is enough demand, we will host Evening Lenten Reflections which will begin at 6:30 PM and include a Lenten reflection and a prayer service. The evening class will be $10 per class or $30 for the four-week series.
All classes will be held at St. Bernardine Monastery, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg. To register for the workshop, please send your payment to: Franciscan Friars, TOR, PO Box 139, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. For questions, please call 814-695-3802. We look forward to seeing you!

Spring Fling at St. Bernardine Monastery
2024-05-18 10:00 - 16:00 | St. Bernardine Monastery, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648
Join us for the Spring Fling at St. Bernardine Monastery!
Parking and entry are free for the festival! The event will have craft vendors, food trucks, community yard sale tables, and children’s activities. The Friar’s Nook Gift Shop will be having a Spring Fling Sale!
There will be a blessing of the St. Vincent de Paul Monastery Community Gardens in the morning, the Rosary will take place at 3:45, and Catholic Mass at 4:00. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket if you are staying for Mass.
This event is for all ages, and pets too! (Please ensure your pets do well in crowds and with other animals).
Location: St, Bernardine Monastery
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Enrichment Day - The Mass and Church Symbols
2025-09-10 | St. Bernardine Monastery, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648
Register by Sept. 5th
The workshop includes a class on The Mass and Church Symbols, Mass, and lunch with Friars

Feast of St. Francis - Day of Celebration
2025-10-04
Pet Blessing 9:00 AM
Rummage/Garage Sale and Friar’s Nook Gift Shop Fall Fling Sale following Pet Blessing
Rain or Shine!

Enrichment Day - History of the Immaculate Conception Province
2025-10-08 | St. Bernardine Monastery, 768 Monastery Road, Hollidaysburg, 16648
Register by Oct. 3rd
The workshop includes a class on the History of the Immaculate Conception Province, Mass, and lunch with Friars

Franciscan Friars, TOR - Province of the Immaculate Conception 100th Jubilee
2025-12-06
This year the Immaculate Conception Province of the Third Order Franciscans are celebrating their 100th anniversary and would love for you to join in the jubilee celebration!
What: Celebration of the Eucharist at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel at 4:00 PM
Dinner and Dance at Altoona Grand Hotel at 6:00 PM
Cost: $40 per person (include a buffet dinner, drink ticket, dance, silent auction, and door price entry)
RSVP: Please reserve your spot no later than Monday, Nov. 24th at 814-695-3802.
Please note: Your spot will NOT be reserved without payment.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard
2026-08-03
Image: Stained glass window of Saint Peter Julian Eymard | Santa Clara de Montefalco Parish Church, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila | photo by Judgefloroo
Saint Peter Julian Eymard
Saint of the Day for August 3
(February 4, 1811 – August 1, 1868)

Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s Story Click to hear audio clip ►

Born in La Mure d’Isère in southeastern France, Peter Julian’s faith journey drew him from being a priest in the Diocese of Grenoble in 1834, to joining the Marists in 1839, to founding the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in 1856.
In addition to those changes, Peter Julian coped with poverty, his father’s initial opposition to Peter’s vocation, serious illness, a Jansenistic overemphasis on sin, and the difficulties of getting diocesan and later papal approval for his new religious community.
His years as a Marist, including service as a provincial leader, saw the deepening of his Eucharistic devotion, especially through his preaching of Forty Hours in many parishes. Inspired at first by the idea of reparation for indifference to the Eucharist, Peter Julian was eventually attracted to a more positive spirituality of Christ-centered love. Members of the men’s community which Peter founded alternated between an active apostolic life and contemplating Jesus in the Eucharist. He and Marguerite Guillot founded the women’s Congregation of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament.
Peter Julian Eymard was beatified in 1925, and canonized in 1962, one day after Vatican II’s first session ended.

Reflection
In every century, sin has been painfully real in the life of the Church. It is easy to give in to despair, to speak so strongly of human failings that people may forget the immense and self-sacrificing love of Jesus, as his death on the cross and his gift of the Eucharist make evident. Peter Julian knew that the Eucharist was key to helping Catholics live out their baptism and preach by word and example the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Saint John Vianney
2026-08-04
Image: Stained glass window of Curé d’Ars | Luant, France | photo by François Goglins

Saint John Vianney
Saint of the Day for August 4
(May 8, 1786 – August 4, 1859)
Saint John Vianney’s Story Click to hear audio clip ►
A man with vision overcomes obstacles and performs deeds that seem impossible. John Vianney was a man with vision: He wanted to become a priest. But he had to overcome his meager formal schooling, which inadequately prepared him for seminary studies.
His failure to comprehend Latin lectures forced him to discontinue. But his vision of being a priest urged him to seek private tutoring. After a lengthy battle with the books, John was ordained.
Situations calling for “impossible” deeds followed him everywhere. As pastor of the parish at Ars, John encountered people who were indifferent and quite comfortable with their style of living. His vision led him through severe fasts and short nights of sleep.
With Catherine Lassagne and Benedicta Lardet, he established La Providence, a home for girls. Only a man of vision could have such trust that God would provide for the spiritual and material needs of all those who came to make La Providence their home.
His work as a confessor is John Vianney’s most remarkable accomplishment. In the winter months he was to spend 11 to 12 hours daily reconciling people with God. In the summer months this time was increased to 16 hours. Unless a man was dedicated to his vision of a priestly vocation, he could not have endured this giving of self day after day.
Many people look forward to retirement and taking it easy, doing the things they always wanted to do but never had the time. But John Vianney had no thoughts of retirement. As his fame spread, more hours were consumed in serving God’s people. Even the few hours he would allow himself for sleep were disturbed frequently by the devil.
Who, but a man with vision, could keep going with ever-increasing strength? In 1929, Pope Pius XI named him the patron of parish priests worldwide.

Reflection
Indifference toward religion, coupled with a love for material comfort, seem to be common signs of our times. A person from another planet observing us would not likely judge us to be pilgrim people, on our way to somewhere else. John Vianney on the other hand, was a man on a journey, with his goal before him at all times.

Saint John Vianney is the Patron Saint of:
Parish Priests
All Priests

Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica
2026-08-05
Image: Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome | photo by Gary Ullah from UK

Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica
Saint of the Day for August 5
The Story of the Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica
Click to hear audio clip ►
First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the Liberian basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God in 431. Rededicated at that time to the Mother of God, St. Mary Major is the largest church in the world honoring God through Mary. Standing atop one of Rome’s seven hills, the Esquiline, it has survived many restorations without losing its character as an early Roman basilica. Its interior retains three naves divided by colonnades in the style of Constantine’s era. Fifth-century mosaics on its walls testify to its antiquity.
St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as patriarchal cathedrals in memory of the first centers of the Church. St. John Lateran represents Rome, the See of Peter; St. Paul Outside the Walls, the See of Alexandria, allegedly the see presided over by Mark; St. Peter’s, the See of Constantinople; and St. Mary’s, the See of Antioch, where Mary is supposed to have spent most of her later life.
One legend, unreported before the year 1000, gives another name to this feast: Our Lady of the Snows. According to that story, a wealthy Roman couple pledged their fortune to the Mother of God. In affirmation, she produced a miraculous summer snowfall and told them to build a church on the site. The legend was long celebrated by releasing a shower of white rose petals from the basilica’s dome every August 5.

Reflection
Theological debate over Christ’s nature as God and man reached fever pitch in Constantinople in the early fifth century. The chaplain of Bishop Nestorius began preaching against the title Theotokos, “Mother of God,” insisting that the Virgin was mother only of the human Jesus. Nestorius agreed, decreeing that Mary would henceforth be named “Mother of Christ” in his see. The people of Constantinople virtually revolted against their bishop’s refutation of a cherished belief. When the Council of Ephesus refuted Nestorius, believers took to the streets, enthusiastically chanting, “Theotokos! Theotokos!”

Transfiguration of the Lord
2026-08-06
Image: Stained glass window, Mielno, Poland | photo by Tineau

Transfiguration of the Lord
Saint of the Day for August 6
The Story of the Transfiguration of the Lord
Click to hear audio clip ►
All three Synoptic Gospels tell the story of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-9; Luke9:28-36). With remarkable agreement, all three place the event shortly after Peter’s confession of faith that Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus’ first prediction of his passion and death. Peter’s eagerness to erect tents or booths on the spot suggests it occurred during the week-long Jewish Feast of Booths in the fall.
According to Scripture scholars, in spite of the texts’ agreement it is difficult to reconstruct the disciples’ experience, because the Gospels draw heavily on Old Testament descriptions of the Sinai encounter with God, and prophetic visions of the Son of Man. Certainly Peter, James, and John had a glimpse of Jesus’ divinity strong enough to strike fear into their hearts. Such an experience defies description, so they drew on familiar religious language to describe it. And certainly Jesus warned them that his glory and his suffering were to be inextricably connected—a theme John highlights throughout his Gospel.
Tradition names Mount Tabor as the site of the revelation. A church first raised there in the fourth century was dedicated on August 6. A feast in honor of the Transfiguration was celebrated in the Eastern Church from about that time. Western observance began in some localities about the eighth century.
On July 22, 1456, Crusaders defeated the Turks at Belgrade. News of the victory reached Rome on August 6, and Pope Callistus III placed the feast on the Roman calendar the following year.

Reflection
One of the Transfiguration accounts is read on the second Sunday of Lent each year, proclaiming Christ’s divinity to the Elect and baptized alike. The Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent, by contrast, is the story of the temptation in the desert—affirmation of Jesus’ humanity. The two distinct but inseparable natures of the Lord were a subject of much theological argument at the beginning of the Church’s history; it remains hard for believers to grasp.

Another Saint of the Day for August 6 is Venerable Anthony Margil.

Saint Cajetan
2026-08-07
Image: Kardinal Cajetan und Luther| photo by Francesco de’ Rossi

Saint Cajetan
Saint of the Day for August 7
(October 1, 1480 – August 7, 1547)
Click to hear audio clip ►

Saint Cajetan’s Story

Like most of us, Cajetan seemed headed for an “ordinary” life—first as a lawyer, then as a priest engaged in the work of the Roman Curia.
His life took a characteristic turn when he joined the Oratory of Divine Love in Rome, a group devoted to piety and charity, shortly after his ordination at 36. When he was 42 he founded a hospital for incurables at Venice. At Vicenza, he joined a “disreputable” religious community that consisted only of men of the lowest stations of life—and was roundly censured by his friends, who thought his action was a reflection on his family. He sought out the sick and poor of the town and served them.
The greatest need of the time was the reformation of a Church that was “sick in head and members.” Cajetan and three friends decided that the best road to reformation lay in reviving the spirit and zeal of the clergy. Together they founded a congregation known as the Theatines–from Teate [Chieti] where their first superior-bishop had his see. One of the friends later became Pope Paul IV.
They managed to escape to Venice after their house in Rome was wrecked when Emperor Charles V’s troops sacked Rome in 1527. The Theatines were outstanding among the Catholic reform movements that took shape before the Protestant Reformation. Cajetan founded a monte de pieta–“mountain or fund of piety”–in Naples, one of many charitable, nonprofit credit organizations that lent money on the security of pawned objects. The purpose was to help the poor and protect them against usurers. Cajetan’s little organization ultimately became the Bank of Naples, with great changes in policy.

Reflection
If Vatican II had been summarily stopped after its first session in 1962, many Catholics would have felt that a great blow had been dealt to the growth of the Church. Cajetan had the same feeling about the Council of Trent, held from 1545 to 1563. But as he said, God is the same in Naples as in Venice, with or without Trent or Vatican II. We open ourselves to God’s power in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, and God’s will is done. God’s standards of success differ from ours.

Another Saint of the Day for August 7 is Saint Sixtus II and Companions.

Saint Dominic
2026-08-08
Image: Stained glass | St. Dominic sends out the Friars | photo by Lawrence, OP | flickr

Saint Dominic
Saint of the Day for August 8
( August 8, 1170 – August 6, 1221)
Saint Dominic’s Story
Click to hear audio clip ►
If he hadn’t taken a trip with his bishop, Dominic would probably have remained within the structure of contemplative life; after the trip, he spent the rest of his life being a contemplative in active apostolic work.
Born in old Castile, Spain, Dominic was trained for the priesthood by a priest-uncle, studied the arts and theology, and became a canon of the cathedral at Osma, where there was an attempt to revive the apostolic common life described in Acts of the Apostles.
On a journey through France with his bishop, Dominic came face to face with the then virulent Albigensian heresy at Languedoc. The Albigensians–or Cathari, “the pure ones”–held to two principles—one good, one evil—in the world. All matter is evil—hence they denied the Incarnation and the sacraments. On the same principle, they abstained from procreation and took a minimum of food and drink. The inner circle led what some people regarded as a heroic life of purity and asceticism not shared by ordinary followers.
Dominic sensed the need for the Church to combat this heresy, and was commissioned to be part of the preaching crusade against it. He saw immediately why the preaching crusade was not succeeding: the ordinary people admired and followed the ascetical heroes of the Albigenses. Understandably, they were not impressed by the Catholic preachers who traveled with horse and retinues, stayed at the best inns and had servants. Dominic therefore, with three Cistercians, began itinerant preaching according to the gospel ideal. He continued this work for 10 years, being successful with the ordinary people but not with the leaders.
His fellow preachers gradually became a community, and in 1215 Dominic founded a religious house at Toulouse, the beginning of the Order of Preachers or Dominicans.
Dominic’s ideal, and that of his Order, was to organically link a life with God, study, and prayer in all forms, with a ministry of salvation to people by the word of God. His ideal: contemplata tradere: “to pass on the fruits of contemplation” or “to speak only of God or with God.”

Reflection
The Dominican ideal, like that of all religious communities, is for the imitation, not merely the admiration, of the rest of the Church. The effective combining of contemplation and activity is the vocation of truck driver Smith as well as theologian Aquinas. Acquired contemplation is the tranquil abiding in the presence of God, and is an integral part of any full human life. It must be the wellspring of all Christian activity.

Saint Dominic is the Patron Saint of:
Astronomers
Dominican Republic
