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Mark your calendars for March 23-25, 2025, as St. Paul the Apostle Church welcomes the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs) for our annual Lenten Parish Mission. Starting at 7:00 PM each evening, Fr. Angelus Montgomery, CFR, alongside his dynamic brothers, will lead us in a transformative journey centered on deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Known for their radical commitment to Gospel living, the CFRs bring a contagious zeal for Christ that promises to renew our hearts this Lent.Founded in 1987 in the South Bronx, the CFRs embody St. Francis of Assisi’s spirit of poverty, prayer, and service. Clad in grey habits with rope belts symbolizing their vows, they live simply among the poor. With over 120 friars worldwide, they’ve earned a reputation for authentic witness—serving in soup kitchens, preaching on streets, and now, guiding us through this mission. Recognized by Pope Francis in 2016 as a religious institute of pontifical right, their growth reflects the power of their charism, which they’ll share with us over these three nights.
This year’s mission focuses on the Eucharist—Christ’s real presence among us. Reflecting on their 2023 visit to St. Paul we recall moments that stirred our souls. One friar urged us to pray, “Take everything, Lord,” inviting us to surrender all that keeps us from Jesus. “Brothers and sisters,” he said, “the Lord needed to rebuild the heart of Saint Francis that had fallen into ruin… It’s not so much about what’s going on out there, but acknowledging that my heart needs to be rebuilt.” This call to inner renewal will echo again, now with the Eucharist as our anchor.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
313 N State St, Westerville, OH, United States, Ohio 43082
