On November 17, we celebrate the memory of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary or Thuringia (1207–1231), a Franciscan laywoman who is venerated today as patroness of Secular Franciscans and of the many congregations of women and men following the Franciscan Third Order Regular Rule.
On November 14, Franciscans honor the memory of Saints Nicholas Tavelic and his three companions, friars who were martyred in Jerusalem on this date in 1391.
On November 13, Franciscans in most countries celebrate the memory of St. Didacus (Diego) of Alcalá (c.1400-1463), known for his life of humble service and as the Patron of San Diego, California. (In the United States, his memorial is observed on November 7 since the 13th is the feast of St. Frances X. Cabrini.)
On November 8, Franciscans honor the memory of Blessed John Duns Scotus (c.1266-1308), one of the greatest of medieval theologians.
On November 5, many Franciscan communities of men and women have a special day of remembrance of their deceased members: "All Souls of the Seraphic Order."
On November 4, the Church celebrates the memory of St. Charles Borromeo, a great pastoral theologian and one of the outstanding figures of the Catholic Reformation. He was a Secular Franciscan.
On Sunday, October 19, 2025, Pope Leo XIV canonized seven new saints in St. Peter's Square. One of the Church's new saints is Dr. José Gregorio Hernández, a physician and Secular Franciscan (1864-1919), known as the “doctor of the poor.”
On October 23, the Church remembers Saint John of Capestrano [John Capistran] (1386-1456), a Franciscan friar who had a prominent and multifaceted ministry as a preacher and reformer in 15th-century Europe.
On October 20, Franciscans celebrate the memory of Blessed Contardo Ferrini (1859-1902), a brilliant Italian legal scholar and professor and fervent Secular Franciscan.
