Thousands bid farewell to Franciscan friars on the move

St. Francis of Assisi taught his followers to trust in the providence of God with a spirit of poverty and detachment so they could authentically encounter people and preach the Gospel with humility. They were called to move from place to place and become brothers to everyone they met along the way. 

Eight hundred years later, the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe are keeping that mission alive. In three cities across the U.S., that means saying goodbye to beloved friends and congregations as they respond to the realities of a growing mission field and an aging friar population.  

While vocations are strong, the changing demographics have caused departures from some parishes historically enriched by the Franciscan charism of hospitality, joy and compassion. In this article, we honor their legacies and the fruits of their labor that will continue to touch lives for generations to come. 

A Franciscan farewell in Gary, Indiana 

On June 14, 2026, families and individuals from all churches in Gary, Indiana, came together for a “Franciscan Farewell” Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels to express their gratitude to the friars for their ministry. The province returned care of the community of parishes to the Diocese of Gary on June 30.  

Br. Mike Surufka, OFM, who served as rector of the Cathedral, thanked the congregation for their unwavering support on behalf of all the friars who served in Gary. 

“We thank you for the privilege of living among you and serving with you. Our lives have been changed because of praying with all of you,” said Br. Mike during the multicultural, bilingual celebration. 

Bishop Robert McClory concelebrated the Mass and shared a heartfelt message of appreciation for the friars. 

“The friars have given us faith. They have guided us closer to the Lord so that our hearts can be enlivened with the joy that comes with faith. They've given us hope to look to the future with confidence that God has a plan and that he has a role for each of us. But the greatest gift is love. The greatest tribute that I could give to all the Franciscans who served here is that you've loved us,” said Bishop McClory. 

Rebuilding the Church in Gary 

A community of friars has served a community of parishes in Gary since 2019.  Invited to serve there initially by Bishop Donald J. Hying and then Bishop McClory, the friars set out to rebuild the Church, the Body of Christ, in imitation of St. Francis who was called by God to rebuild and renew the Church in 1206. 

Br. Mike facilitated the revitalization of the Church in Gary with the help of friars and faithful Catholics who put their heart and soul into building up the parishes and their local community.  

In addition to the Cathedral, the friars stewarded three other churches in Gary: St. Joseph the Worker, St. Mary of the Lake and Ss. Monica and Luke, the Diocese of Gary’s historically black parish that was sadly shuttered by the diocese on May 24. A shared leadership model, common among dioceses with priest shortages, means that parishes have found ways to collaborate and manage resources together.

The Franciscans chose Gary as a homebase for seven years because of its diverse population.  Franciscans are known for uniting diverse cultures through service and worship. While each parish maintained their distinct cultural heritage, they also embraced Franciscan values of peacemaking, simplicity and outreach. During their years in Gary, the friars welcomed those living on the margins of society and showed them the love and dignity they deserve as God’s created ones. 

The friars brought people together by starting “Hope in the City,” First Friday events, holding neighborhood cookouts and hosting church tours. They led an annual Palm Sunday procession from Ss. Monica and Luke to the Cathedral, developed an inter-parish faith formation program, a children’s mariachi band and a Hispanic leadership group. They encouraged parishioners to care for the suffering and perform works of mercy, such as feeding the hungry and cleaning neighborhood parks.  

As Br. Mike explained during his homily on June 14: “The cathedral is the heart of the diocese, and this church is at the heart of downtown and all of us who occupy it are called to be that living, beating heart of Jesus. Live in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and be that sign to the world that we are not alone. We have each other. We have Christ and that is enough.” 

An enduring legacy in Indianapolis  

On June 28, 2026, the community of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Indianapolis gathered for a Mass of Thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for the friars who established the parish and stewarded it for 150 years. The province returned care of the parish to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. 

Provincial Councilor Br. John Eaton, OFM, spoke at the Mass about the influence this one church has had on the life of the Franciscan Order in the United States. 

“In the course of 150 years, over 250 friars have served here at Sacred Heart. In that time, over 50 friars have come from Indianapolis. Sacred Heart has made a tremendous contribution to the province, now the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. And I hope that what the friars have given you has been a benefit and a blessing,” said Br. John. 

Building a magnificent church 

When German immigrants arrived in Indianapolis in the mid-19th century seeking a new life, they yearned for a spiritual home that reflected their language and customs. They worked together with German friars who immigrated during the same time to establish Sacred Heart Parish in 1875. Friars oversaw construction of a convent, friary, chapel and school, all anchored by a magnificent church designed by Br. Adrian Wewer, OFM, a German American friar-architect. The pointed archways, soaring towers and intricate details continue to grace the skyline of Indianapolis and uplift the spirits of both worshipers and visitors alike.  

Over the past 150 years, the friars have left an indelible mark upon the life of the community and city. They have shared the Franciscan gifts of peacemaking, respect and service with all. They opened their doors to people from all walks of life as they shared God’s boundless mercy and love. They also offered a platform for artistic expression through music classes and performances, even hosting the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. They extended a helping hand to those facing challenges through disaster relief programs, financial assistance and support groups for immigrants and the grieving. 

The friars placed a priority on caring for the community’s most vulnerable members. They offered visitation programs for homebound seniors and service opportunities for young adults, fostering a sense of connection and purpose across generations. 

The church’s commitment to art, culture, education and social services made it a cornerstone of the community. 

A vibrant presence 

Br. Duc Pham, OFM, served as pastor of Sacred Heart for the last seven years. In 2025, he launched a campaign to fund significant and timely repairs to ensure that Sacred Heart’s presence on the south side of Indianapolis continues to be vibrant. Some of these restorations have already been completed thanks to the generosity of parishioners. This includes a new roof, new lighting, new air conditioning, new drainage system and new fire alarm.  

“Since the foundation of Sacred Heart Parish, the Franciscan spirit has had a profound impact on the church. A cursory look at the artwork, statues and stained-glass windows will show the deep Franciscan connection to the love of Christ as he came into the world and suffered on the cross for us. As the parish returns to the care of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, I’m sure that the Franciscan charism will continue to breathe at Sacred Heart,” said Br. Duc in a reflection to parishioners.  

During his homily on June 28, Br. Duc spoke of the many ways parishioners have worked with friars to accomplish great things for the glory of God. 

“What I learned from Sacred Heart is we do not do the mission alone. None of us do. We make disciples together. We celebrate the sacraments as a community, not as individuals,” said Br. Duc, as he proceeded to thank members of committees and ministries, and all supporters of the parish for their heartfelt gifts.  

He also encouraged parishioners to remain joyful, even amid the many changes they are experiencing.  

“When you are joyful as a disciple of Christ, your family is joyful, your friends are joyful, people want to be around you. That’s the Christian way. That’s the Franciscan way,” said Br. Duc. 

Celebrating faith in Cincinnati 

For 167 years, the spires of St. Francis Seraph Church in Cincinnati, visible from a distance, have stood as a testament to the compassionate presence of the Franciscan friars and the deep faith of parishioners. With a mixture of sadness and gratitude, hundreds gathered on June 28, 2026, for the closing Mass, celebrating the friars’ ministry and the legacy of a church known as the heart of the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. 

Prior to the start of Mass, Br. Timothy Sucher, OFM, pastoral associate, stood outside the church warmly greeting parishioners and visitors with handshakes and hugs as they shared memories and posed for photos.  

When news of the church closure was announced earlier this year, Br. Alan Hirt, OFM, pastor of St. Francis Seraph and St. Clement Parish, the area’s other Franciscan parish located just a few miles away, reminded parishioners that their faith is stronger than a building. Taking his words and a spirit of collaboration to heart, transition teams from St. Francis Seraph and St. Clement were formed. Dialogue sessions and “Look and See” weekends have been held to help bring the faith communities together. Br. Al envisions that at least two-thirds to three-fourths of St. Francis Seraph parishioners will attend Mass at St. Clement.  

“The story of this church will not be forgotten,” Archbishop Robert Casey told those gathered at St. Francis Seraph for a Homecoming Mass on June 21. “The history and heritage will live on.” 

Letting go 

During his homily at the closing Mass, Br. Al noted that, “St. Francis wanted his followers to embrace the idea of holy newness. Newness can be holy. Francis often said, ‘Let’s begin again.’ And here we are, beginning again.” 

“Today we also need to do our letting go,” Br. Al added. “We are indeed attached to this place, this community that we have formed and embraced over many, many years. There is a finality and sadness to what’s happening today. I know there aren’t enough words, or the right words, to bring all this to closure.”  

He then invited the congregation to join him in a “little Catholic Karaoke,” leading them in singing an emotional rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” substituting “Christ's way” and "Francis’ way.”  

“I knew that would bring some tears,” Br. Al said when the song concluded.  

After Communion, Provincial Vicar Br. Mark Soehner, OFM, offered a reflection on the church’s closing, acknowledging the pain of letting go of a place where community and love have been shared for so long.  

“You’ve been called and now you are sent from here,” he said. “Here you learned to rest in the stillness of love. In a holy Communion, you received his body and blood. You chose to love in the stillness of God, and church will happen wherever that takes you. I want to say thank you to the people of St. Francis Seraph Parish, for your many witnesses, for caring. So now you go, and you love those you find there, whoever they are. You bring a cup of water there, and suddenly, church.” 

Responding to a great need 

Archbishop John Baptist Purcell invited friars from the Province of St. Leopold, Tyrol, Austria, to come to Cincinnati in 1844 to help meet the spiritual needs of the great number of German Catholics who had been coming to the city since 1830. Because the Catholic population continued to grow so rapidly, Archbishop Purcell granted permission to erect a church on site of the former Christ Church, the first Catholic parish in Cincinnati. The cornerstone for the new structure was laid in November 1858, and St. Francis Seraph Church was dedicated on Dec. 18, 1859. The parish was named for the mystical vision of the six-winged seraph that appeared to St. Francis upon receiving the stigmata.  

St. Francis Seraph Parish became a source of strength, guidance and service to the people of OTR and beyond. The face of the neighborhood changed through the years, but the presence of Franciscan friars and the many groups and individuals that collaborate with them in conducting their ministry remained steadfast.  

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati “is deeply grateful for the ministry of the Franciscan friars in downtown Cincinnati since 1858,” the archdiocese shared in a statement. “St. Francis Seraph Church has long been a home for worship and love of God, with Masses celebrated for more than 160 years in the heart of the Over-the-Rhine community. The Franciscan friars’ expression of charity has shone brightly through their prayerful presence and generous service to their neighbors.” 

St. Francis Day 

Before the closing Mass ended, Br. Tim thanked those responsible for the “outstanding celebrations” that brought the faith community together over the past month and called forward parishioner Greg Hyland, who read a civic proclamation from Hamilton County, where St. Francis Seraph and St. Clement are both located. It recognized the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death, the women and men religious of the Franciscan family, Secular Franciscans, and the longtime ministry and presence of the friars in Over-the-Rhine and declared June 28 St. Francis Day in the county.  

Br. Al will continue to serve as pastor of St. Clement Parish. Br. Tim has also been assigned there. The mission of the Franciscans will continue through St. Francis Seraph School and St. Francis Seraph Ministries, which provides a variety of services to those experiencing poverty and homelessness.