Rebuilding the Church

Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv

 Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv, of the Diocese of Lexington, KY., sees a parallel theme in the ministries of St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis with a focus on rebuilding and re-evangelizing the church.

His keynote presentation on the third day of the Q pointed to a combination of living the Gospel and being evangelizing missioners.

Both St. Francis and Pope Francis believed that "living the Gospel is more important than talking about it," he said, later adding:

"No Franciscan can be exempt from being a missioner."

His talk drew a standing ovation.

See Photos.

'Build a More Fraternal World'

Father David addresses over 600 attendees.

Keynote speaker Fr. David B. Couturier, OFM Cap., drew a standing ovation Aug. 4 after deliverimg a speech centered around an important element of the Secular Franciscan Rule -- to build a more fraternal world.

Describing it as a "divine charter to build a fraternal world," Father David noted: "Yours is a call to build communities of caring encounters."

The second day of the Quinquennial Congress also featured small group discussions ("little fraternities") and nearly a score of break-out sessions on a variety of Franciscan and spiritual topics.

See Photos. 

Over 600 Converge on Phoenix

 Well over 600 Secular Franciscans and other members of the Franciscan Family arrived in Phoenix Aug.  2 and 3 for the 20th Quinquennial Congress.

The congress kicked off with a celebratory dinner Aug. 3 at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown, followed by Mass at St. Mary's Basilica (kitty-corner from the hotel).

See photos

Consider Experiencing the 'Q' in 2022

By Robert Stronach, OFS

 I was in Phoenix, Arizona in August for The American Legion Convention and had a chance to visit the site of the upcoming Quinquennial Congress (nicknamed the 'Q').

The 20th Quinquennial takes place Aug. 3-7, 2022 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, kitty-corner from the Franciscan St. Mary's Basilica.

'Q' Congress Set for August 2022

The 20th Quinquennial Congress is set for Aug. 3-7, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. Registration opens Aug. 1, 2021. The keynote speakers are:

• Fr. David B. Couturier, OFM Cap. 
• Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv.
• Doug and Marion Clorey, OFS
• Tim and Kathy Taormina, OFS
• Lori Hinker, OFS

20th 'Q' Postponed Due to Covid-19 Concerns

 The 20th Quinquennial Congress, scheduled to be held in Phoenix in August 2021, is now postponed due to pandemic-related concerns. 

First 2 Keynoters: Bishop Stowe, Fr. Couturier

Bishop Stowe

Fr. David

The Q Committee announced the first two keynote speakers for the 2021 Congress.

They are Fr. David Couturier, OFM Cap, dean of the School of  Franciscan Studies at  Saint Bonaventure University, and Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv, of the Diocese of Lexington, KY.