In his work
The Testament, St. Francis shared, "We should always live in such places as strangers and pilgrims." Today, the sons of St. Francis, continue this
charism. Many friars had necessary travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some friars had to travel from mission and ministry locations, while others attended
to family emergencies. While the two photos to the right may seem unrelated, there is an important commonality between them. The images were both taken by friars during their 14-day mandatory quarantine after traveling.
In New Mexico, individuals who travel are required to quarantine to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Isolating among a fraternity is very difficult, so for the health and safety of their brothers, friars who travel stay in the Province's Guest House. Although this space is usually reserved for visitors, it has become a hub of friar activity, complete with cooking, phone calls, relaxing, and lots of prayer!
*Photos by Br. Bruce Michlek and Fr. Charles McCarthy