The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 5th Week in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
Every person is a child of God--fabulous, unique, talented. Every person is asked to set forth their gifts on the altar of the world.
New article highlights lives of those lay religious groups
In a recent article, the St. Louis Review offers insight into the lives and thoughts of those living the secular life and how they profess their charisms in daily life.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 4th Week in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
If our gazing at Christ doesn’t cause us to turn a compassionate gaze at the world, and motivate us to compassionate action, then we need to check on whether it’s really Christ to whom we’ve been gazing.
Secular Franciscans Seek Encounter with Jesus Christ
Our OFS Rule Article 5 reminds us that the heart of our vocation is encounter. As Secular Franciscans, we are called to seek the living and active presence of Christ in our brothers and sisters, in sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in the liturgy. This is not an abstract ideal but a daily way of seeing and loving.
CNSA Friars and Staff Meet with 1st Order Novices
1st Order, TOR and Secular Franciscans gather to share charisms.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 3rd Week in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
There is a great deal of difference between fishing for fish and fishing for people. Fish can be caught against their will, and violently pulled from the sea. People are caught by uncovering the deep desires of their hearts. Their hearts were moved to immediately follow Him.
YouFra Reflection NAFRA Chapter 2025
I shared this story ["The Song of the Bird"] at the NAFRA Chapter this year, congratulating us all in our determination to become experts in the challenge to reach out to our younger generations. Many regions have attended the Core Four training sessions - or used the on-line presentations to learn the why and how of this task.
Carolyn Townes, OFS: Peacemaker and Circle Keeper JPIC 2025 Award
Our JPIC Award recipient for 2025 is Carolyn Townes, OFS. Carolyn has had a long and impactful history as the National JPIC Animator for over ten years, and currently serves on the boards of several Franciscan organizations. What follows is a brief interview with Carolyn:
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Christian Unity Week – Fr. Christopher
This week faith traditions around the world will assemble in prayer to make the Lord’s words living and active, “that all may be one.”
Voices of the Friars Call Secular Franciscans to Kindness, Peace, and the Cross Part 2
From daily Mass to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, prayer was an essential element at the 2025 National Chapter at the Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, Maryland, and was led by several friars, three of whom are members of the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants (CNSA).