Friar Illustrates God's Presence in Our Lives

Friar John Raphael Hadnagy, OFM Conv.

Friar John Raphael Hadnagy, OFM Conv., is a missioner at the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio; he has lived a gospel-focused life from his childhood onwards. Friar John Raphael remembers that even though his parents were in no way affluent, they were always willing to help anyone in need. People who were hungry or needed a place to spend the night could always count on the Hadnagys for help.

The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio

With this background of service to others and love of God, it is no surprise that John Raphael became a Conventual Franciscan in 1981. Focused on educating himself, he attended St. Louis University for his undergraduate work and Washington Theological Union for his graduate studies. By October 1990, he was also a fully professed friar as well as a priest.

Friar John Raphael Hadnagy has been chaplain

on pilgrimages to holy sites such as Czestochowa (above)

Today one of Friar John Raphael’s ministries is healing. Friar John Raphael has been involved in this ministry for 18 years. He wants to illustrate to people that God is present in their lives whether they know it or not. One realizes the power of God also through pilgrimages. God is with us everywhere and all the time, loving us completely. As a chaplain on pilgrimages to such holy sites as Lourdes, Czestochowa, Assisi, Fatima and others, Friar John Raphael has helped pilgrims come closer to this realization and thus deepen their faith.