Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word

Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word

Missionarii Franciscani Verbi Aeterni
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word
Abbreviation	M.F.V.A.
Formation	c. AD 1987 (1987)
Type	Catholic religious order
Headquarters	Irondale, Alabama
Website	franciscanmissionaries.com

The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word (MFVA, Latin for Missionarii Franciscani Verbi Aeterni) is a Public Clerical Association of the Faithful, located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. They were founded in 1987 by Mother Angelica, who also founded the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama.

The primary residence of the Friars is in Irondale, Alabama, and is next door to EWTN. They also have residences in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where their seminarians attend the seminary at Mount Saint Mary's University, and in Hanceville, near the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

The Friars' apostolate is to communicate the Catholic faith by word and example. It involves using the media: television, radio and the Internet, as well as publishing and conducting retreats. Currently, they focus their attention on the television and radio ministry, in addition to providing for the spiritual needs of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, the EWTN employees, and the visitors who come to EWTN and the Shrine.

Many of the Friars take classes during the school year, either at Mount Saint Mary's University or in their own House of Studies adjacent to the Friary in Birmingham. In contrast to Franciscan communities that focus on the corporal works of mercy, the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word devote themselves to the spiritual works of mercy. Therefore, they study to gain a deep knowledge of the Catholic faith and practice communicating it effectively.

Adapting to the needs of the time, they have developed into an active religious institute, but still maintain elements of the contemplative life. In addition to praying the Liturgy of the Hours, the Friars devote an hour each day to Eucharistic Adoration and pray the daily Rosary.

The community is composed of priests and seminarians, as well as consecrated brothers.

Friar Communities

Priests

• Fr. Mark Mary, Community Servant (Superior)
• Fr. Anthony Mary, Community Vicar
• Fr. Dominic Mary, Community Vicar
• Fr. Leonard Mary, Council Member, Director of Temporary Professed Friars, MFVA Media General Manager
• Fr. Paschal Mary, Council Member, Administrator of the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament
• Fr. Joseph Mary, EWTN Chaplain & EWTN Chapel Dean, Postulant Director
• Fr. Miguel Mary, Novice Director
• Fr. Patrick Mary, Vocational Director & Director of Priestly Formation, EWRN News Nightly Chaplain
• Fr. John Paul Mary, EWTN Employee Chaplain
• Fr. Matthew Mary, EWTN Pilgrimage Director

Brothers

• Br. Bernard Mary, Bookkeeper
• Br. Leo Mary, Council Member
• Br. John Therese Mary, Perpetually Professed

External links

• Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word - Website
• Eternal Word Television Network