Franciscan Alumni Association’s reunion will be held Oct. 1 to 4

Friars, formators, and formation alumni and their spouses from across the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe are invited to gather at Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, New Mexico, Oct. 1 to 4, 2026, for the Franciscan Alumni Association’s annual reunion. 

“The theme for the reunion will be our reflecting together on the Franciscan presence among the peoples of the Southwest.  We want to reflect on the reciprocity of these relationships, and how we are all richer for them,” said Br. Henry Beck, OFM, provincial liaison to the Franciscan Alumni Association. 

In addition to talks, faith sharing and fellowship, the reunion will be a time to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis. Participants can also explore local points of interest, such as the Basilica of San Albino in the historic Mesilla Valley and the Franciscan Missions in El Paso, Texas. 

The Franciscan Alumni Association was founded in 1989 by students who attended St. Francis High School Seminary and the Brothers’ School when they were part of the legacy St. John the Baptist Province that was based in Cincinnati. 

Organizers encourage participation from all legacy OFM provinces across the United States in hopes of developing a fuller vision for Franciscan formation alumni and their spouses across the country.  

Registrations and payments must be received by Sept. 1. Click here to learn more. Click here to register. Please note: The closest airport to the Holy Cross Retreat Center is in El Paso.