The messages of joy, hope, service, and the onset of our celebration of Franciscan centenaries are expressed in CIOFS General Minister Tibor Kauser’s Christmas letter. “Do not think about Christmas as a cozy feast but let us make it a feast of being children of God,” Tibor said.
The new National Executive Council was elected Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Chapter meeting in Detroit. Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, was elected minister, and Diane Menditto, OFS, was elected vice-minister.
Franciscan discernment starts with listening, and National Minister Jan Parker, OFS, called upon fraternity members to do just that in her State of the Order address delivered at the National Chapter meeting on Oct. 11-15 in Detroit.
Louise Sandberg, OFS, was announced Wednesday as the 2022 recipient of the National Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Award presented at the Secular Franciscan Order’s National Chapter held Oct. 11-15 in Detroit.
Bishop Gerard W. Battersby opened the National Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order with Mass that included a homily that reminded listeners of the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. The Christ who animated Peter and the other apostles is the same one who animates us, Bishop Battersby said.
12 Weeks of Franciscan Peace is a beautiful way to prepare for the coming of the Prince of Peace. The program is available in English, Spanish, and Korean and includes thoughts or themes for each week, a reflection, a Psalm fragment, a reflection question, resolution, and prayer.
Maybe the celebration of "Hispanic Heritage Month" can help all of us think a bit more about inclusivity --- and ask ourselves are we doing enough in our fraternities to be inclusive? How can we bridge that language gap? How can we be more inclusive?
The Season of Creation is a period that brings together the entire Christian community worldwide to pray and take action for the care of the environment. It begins on September 1st with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and ends on October 4th with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Check out this resources to help you observe the season.
Franciscans are invited to join a dialogue featuring Synodaility and Lay Leadership sponsored by the USCCB on Thursday, Aug. 25. . . .
A free new formation resource on the Gospel life of Francis based on the Early Rule is available for download from St. Bonaventure University. It includes links to a 30-part series of short YouTube videos on the life of St. Francis completed by Franciscan scholars Fr. Wayne Hellmann, O.F.M. Conv., and Dr. Jay Hammond of St. Louis University.