TOFE

All members of the Third Order of the Franciscan of the Eucharist are Consecrated to Blessed Mother Mary.

We had a setup consecration course for Dr. Julius Ochungo and Mafuta Carnado on June 27. Still, unfortunately, due to a computer glitch not on our side but the third-party email system, it never left the outbox.

Like the Confraternity of Penitents, I am also an Affiliate Member. Our friars pray the following Marian Consecration Prayer twice daily:

To you do we turn, O Holy Mary, glorious and Ever-Virgin Mother of God, Queen of Angels and of Saints, the “Virgin made Church.” To you do we cry, O Handmaid of the Lord, Mother of the Suffering Servant, who made the Lord of Majesty our brother. For through you the most exalted Son of God emptied Himself for love of our love, taking the form of an enslaved person in your womb and dying in destitution on a cross as He gave you to us, O Refuge of Sinners. To you, we fly as we beg you to obtain for us the true spirit of the Gospel.

Holy Immaculate Conception, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, as we welcome you into our home, we consecrate and entrust ourselves and our Confraternity totally and forever to your Immaculate Heart. Make us your true sons and daughters and use our Confraternity as an instrument of Christ Our King to convert sinners, to sanctify souls, and to strengthen and renew the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, that God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–may be glorified, praised, and adored by all humanity. Amen.

The TOFE aims, as the name suggests, at the Eucharist.

TOFI

The Third Order of Franciscan Friars of Immaculate (TOFFI), now known as the Third Order Franciscans of the Immaculate (CL250629), was established shortly after our Archbishop, Eric Michel, was consecrated on November 11, 2023.

The Blue Mantle: A Story of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate

In the quiet hills of Southern Laurentide, nestled between groves of maple trees and the timeless rhythm of church bells, stood the Ministry of Eric Michel International. Draped in blue habits, the friars who lived there belonged to the Third Order of Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, a community wholly dedicated to Christ through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.

Among them was Brother Eric, a friar with a fire in his heart and questions in his soul.

Chapter One: The Call

Brother Eric had joined the order after a profound conversion experience in the Franciscan Brotherhood. There, kneeling before the San Damiano Cross, he felt the unmistakable whisper: “Rebuild my Church.” That whisper had led him not to stone and mortar but to the heart of the Church: prayer, penance, and total consecration to Our Lady.

Life was structured, ora et labora, prayer and work. The friars rose before dawn, chanted the Divine Office, and spent their days in silent contemplation, manual labour, and evangelization. Eric loved the rhythm, yet a yearning gnawed at him.

“Is this enough?” he often wondered. “How can I bring souls to Christ while remaining hidden behind the internet wall?”

Chapter Two: A Mission Begins

One evening, after praying before the statue of the Immaculata, the Holy Ghost whispered to him.

“Brother,” he said, his voice soft, “there’s a Facebook Group. They have no catechist, only silence where the Gospel once echoed. I believe the Immaculata is leading you there.”

Brother Eric’s heart leapt; the answer was to create a Facebook group.

He and two other friars journeyed for days across the web, where users still bear the scars of poverty. The group was crumbling, with unbaptized individuals, and superstition had filled the spiritual void.

Chapter Three: Through Mary to Jesus

The friars didn’t begin with sermons or commands. They began with service, fixing our logo, preparing our posts, and sitting silently with the Elders. Every evening, they gathered with anyone who wished to pray the Rosary.

One by one, hearts began to stir.

Marie Yvonne wept openly during a Marian procession. Basil is now volunteering for feast days.

The friars taught what St. Maximilian Kolbe had taught: “Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.” Through Mary, the Facebook users began to rediscover Jesus.

Chapter Four: The Hidden Miracle

Brother Eric himself fell depressed; he whispered to the Immaculata, “Let me offer my life for them. Bring them fully to your Son.”

Later, the friars established a perpetual adoration chapel and a Marian shrine was erected in honour of Jesus and Mary.

Epilogue: The Blue Mantle

Years later, a small boy knelt beside the Manse’s shrine, his eyes wide with wonder. His grandmother told him of the friars in blue who had come like angels, and one who had given his life for love.

That boy would one day join the Third Order of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, wrap himself in the blue mantle of Mary, and carry the flame of faith to new lands, whispering always:

“Totus Tuus, Maria, All Yours.”

All members of the Third Order of the Franciscan of the Immaculate are Consecrated to Blessed Mother Mary.

Our spirituality emphasizes:

1. A personal and communal relationship with Christ through Mary.

2. Brothers and priests live as equals, sharing prayer, work, and mission.

3. Mission: Working in solidarity with the poor and promoting social justice and a green environment.

4. We aim to spread devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary and undertake various apostolic works.

Today, June 19, is the 43rd anniversary of the ordination of Pope Leo XIV.
That makes me recall my ordination.

Eric Michel A Journey of Faith: My Path to Ordination and Beyond

After a decade marked by learning, challenges, and spiritual growth, I am thrilled to share the story of my ordination and the incredible experiences that have shaped my journey of faith. It all began with a calling, a nurturing whisper that grew louder over the years, ultimately leading me to dedicate my life to serving others through the church.

In December 1985, after years of rigorous theological study and personal reflection, I took my first significant step by being ordained as a deacon. That moment was both exhilarating and humbling. As I stood before my peers and congregation, I felt the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. I was eager to serve, but I also realized that this was just the beginning of a longer journey, a journey filled with trials, joy, and the grace of God. Ordained priest December 7, 1988.

During my time as a deacon, I learned a great deal about the needs of my community and the profound impact that faith can have on people’s lives. I was allowed to immerse myself in serving others, whether it was providing support to families in distress, leading community service programs, or offering spiritual guidance. Each experience deepened my understanding of what it means to walk alongside others in their faith journeys.

Fast forward to 2011, a pivotal year in my life, I was consecrated as a bishop. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of years spent in prayer, learning, and living out my faith. Standing there during the consecration service, surrounded by my colleagues, family, and friends, I reflected on the twists and turns of the past 23 years. It was a beautiful reminder that while the journey may be long and sometimes difficult, it is anchored in purpose and love.

As a bishop, I have the privilege of guiding and nurturing the spiritual growth of others, advocating for justice, and leading initiatives that foster community and compassion. Each day presents its unique challenges, but it is also filled with immeasurable joy as I see lives transformed through faith, witness the resilience of my community, and participate in the sacred rituals that unite us.

As I reflect on my journey from deacon to bishop, I recognize that this path has not been walked alone. I have been supported by mentors, friends, and the wider church community, who have believed in me and encouraged my growth. Their influence has been pivotal, and I am eternally grateful for their love and support.

As I embark on this new chapter of my ministry, I am excited about what lies ahead. With faith as my compass, I will continue to strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. The road may be long, but I am committed to serving God and the community with humility and compassion.

To all those who are on their journey of faith, remember that every step is part of a beautiful tapestry woven with love, hope, and divine purpose. I look forward to what lies ahead, and I humbly ask for your prayers as I continue this mission of service. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, may we lift each other in faith and love.

New Name for our Marian Ministry

We received a request to change our name to include women in our order.

We received suggestions; at the same time, we have three propositions:

1. Keep the name as we have it: Third Order of Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, and accept women as well.
2. Change the name to Third Order of Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Immaculate.
   3. Change the name to Third Order of Franciscans of the Immaculate.

Please submit your vote by selecting proposition number 1, 2, or 3.

Thank you

Brother Eric.

First, I have to say that it wasn’t a big step for me to return to Catholicism; at the bottom, I always was, even when I denied it.

I was born and raised in the Catholic Church during the 1950s, before the Second Vatican Council. In Quebec before the Quiet Revolution, almost everybody who spoke French, parents, neighbours, teachers, doctors, and police, was Catholic. My Gnosticism and after the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship was promoted, defended and taught with Catholic arguments, my spouse, who is a Baptist Minister, always put it under my nose that the Baptist, Evangelist and Pentecostal do not refer to that answer when it is an argumentation.

There are many doctrines with which I disagree, such as the doctrine of communion. However, open communion aligns more closely with how Jesus planned it; He didn’t specify giving it only to specific groups. The ordination of women is another major issue.

Two factors in teaching make me cross over. First, the teaching of the Franciscan Nun, Ilia Delio, who is, according to me, a modern version of the Gnostic teaching that I was part of.

Second, the Thomistic Institute exists to promote Catholic truth in our contemporary world by strengthening the intellectual formation of Christians at universities, within the Church, and in the broader public square. The thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Universal Doctor of the Church, serves as our touchstone that resonates with me. I am also listening to Brother Paul-Adrien, a Dominican Catholic priest, with whom I have a hard time with his teaching on the ancient world, but I appreciate his approach.

Then, the newcomers in my life were Father Casey Cole, a Franciscan Brother; Father Richard Rohr, another Franciscan Brother; and Robert Spitzer, an American Jesuit priest, philosopher, educator, author, speaker, and retired President of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

In 2020, I joined an Ecumenical Franciscan group. Then, I became a Volunteer Chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains on February 28, 2022. I didn’t need it; I was already a member of the International Federation of Christian Chaplains since 2012.

The Metaphysical Effect

We have beautiful churches in my area, so I spend many Sundays visiting them and, of course, taking pictures. The Catholic Church in Lachute, Quebec, the Saint Anastasia Parish, located at 174, rue Béthany, features a narthex with shelves for displaying magazines and flyers. One day, while exploring, I found a publication from the Heralds of the Gospel. On a page, there was a small publicity square with an internet link. I was led to go to the website.

I began a 33-day course for Consecration to Jesus through Mary, as taught by the Heralds of the Gospel, following the teachings of Louis Marie de Montfort.

Consecrated on November 11, 2023, OUR LADY OF THE PORTUGUESE

Catherine Labouré and the Miraculous Medal

In 1946, the 300th anniversary of the declaration of Mary Immaculate as Queen of Portugal was commemorated. November 11: on the anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Catherine Laboure.

Wow, what a wonderful thing! Followed by a mass in Brazil that you can attend in Montreal church and other churches, as well as on YouTube.

I received an email from Father Michael Carlson, EP, saying that the Holy Mary set all the steps leading to the consecration, which I took with a “grain de sel”, a French saying meaning To take something with a “grain of salt” or “pinch of salt” is an English idiom that suggests viewing something, specifically claims that may be misleading or unverified, with skepticism or not to interpret something literally.

But it’s the aftermath; amazing. If it’s not the Holy Mary, I wish to know who it is.

A strange force compelled me to do things like becoming a soldier of Mary, Militia Immaculatae, on December 12, 2023, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I register online, and when it’s done, I ask myself, ‘What did I just do? My God, I don’t understand. It must have a reason for this, but I cannot explain it. It is not rational.

Later, I became a member of a few others in Mary’s group, and then, one day in 2025, I started a Facebook group called the EMMI Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary.

Now I am a born-again Catholic.

My YouTube Heroes:

HOME – BRO. ERIC – HISTORIC – My Catholic Conversion

Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, né le 14 septembre 1955 à Chicago (Illinois, États-Unis), est un prélat catholique américano-péruvien, élu pape le 8 mai 2025 sous le nom de Léon XIV. En qualité d’évêque de Rome, il est le 267^e pape de l’Église catholique ainsi que le chef d’État du Vatican. Il est le premier souverain pontife né aux États-Unis, ainsi que le septième pape augustinien (le dernier étant Eugène IV mort en 1447).

De nationalité américaine puis plus tard également péruvienne, il est membre de l’ordre de Saint Augustin. Il est en mission au Pérou entre 1985 et 1998, puis exerce des responsabilités à la maison-mère de son ordre à Rome de 2001 à 2013. Il est ensuite nommé évêque du diocèse péruvien de Chiclayo.

Le 30 janvier 2023, il est choisi pour succéder au cardinal Ouellet à la tête du Dicastère pour les évêques ; il prend ses fonctions le 12 avril suivant. Le 30 septembre de la même année, il est créé cardinal par le pape François.

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A9on_XIV

A new Pope has been elected,

Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

The papal conclave of 2025 was convened to elect a pope, the leader of the Catholic Church, to succeed Francis following his death on 21 April 2025. In accordance with the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici gregis, which governed the vacancy of the Holy See, only cardinals who had not passed their 80th birthdays on the day on which the Holy See became vacant (in this case, those who were born on or after 21 April 1945) were eligible to participate in the conclave. Although not a formal requirement, the cardinal electors invariably elect the pope from among their number. The election was carried out by secret ballot (Latin: per scrutinium).

Of the 252 members of the College of Cardinals at the time of Francis’s death, 135 cardinal electors were eligible to participate in the subsequent conclave. Two cardinal electors announced that they did not plan to attend, decreasing the expected number of participants to 133. To be elected pope, a candidate requires a two-thirds supermajority of the participating electors, or 89 votes.

Of the 133 cardinal electors in attendance, 5 were cardinal bishops, 108 were cardinal priests, and 20 were cardinal deacons; 5 were created cardinals by Pope John Paul II, 20 by Pope Benedict XVI, and 108 by Pope Francis; 29 worked in the service of the Holy See (such as in the Roman Curia), 79 were in pastoral ministry outside Rome, and 26 were retired. The oldest eligible cardinal elector was Carlos Osoro Sierra, at the age of 79, and the youngest was Mykola Bychok, at the age of 45. Another 116 cardinals were ineligible to participate in the conclave due to their age.

The cardinal electors entered the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave on 7 May 2025. On 8 May, after four ballots over two days, they elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, who took the papal name Leo XIV.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinal_electors_in_the_2025_papal_conclave

PHOTO Enews01

The Holy See is currently in a period of sede vacante, which began on 21 April 2025 upon the death of Pope Francis. 

Archbishop’s Office pin board

What the conclave schedule could look like
As we approach the start of the conclave on Wednesday, here’s a tentative breakdown of what the schedule could look like. Caveat: This is based on 2013, when there were 117 electors, versus this time, when there are expected to be 133. We also don’t know yet what time they will begin the mornings yet. But this gives you an idea of what we could expect.

osvnews.com

The New Life Catholic Chaplaincy (OFS) warmly invites you to participate in our Bible Studies Group. This gathering is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures and grow in their faith.

Join us as we explore the richness of the Bible through discussion, reflection, and fellowship. Whether you are a long-time believer or just beginning your spiritual journey, our group is open to all who wish to learn more about God’s word and its relevance in our lives today.

Meetings will be held weekly, providing a welcoming environment to share insights and ask questions. We aim to build a supportive community where everyone can feel encouraged in their walk of faith.

We look forward to seeing you there and embarking on this spiritual journey together!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/nlcfc