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.
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).
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – The Baptism of Our Lord – Fr. Christopher
Just as God the Father claimed His Son as “His Beloved,” so too, does God claim each of us as His beloved daughters and sons. In the waters of baptism, we have become a new creation.
Voices of the Friars Call Secular Franciscans to Praise, Kindness, Peace, and the Cross
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).
Subscribe for updates on Franciscan events
All members of the Franciscan family are invited to subscribe to CIOFS e-newsletter and be informed of the events planned to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis of Assisi as well as other news.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Feast of the Epiphany – Fr. Christopher
They symbolize the noblest human effort. They are the wise ones, star gazers, men of philosophy, science and treasure. They go trekking for the truth. Finding it, see it revealed, manifested, in Jesus.
Chapter Formation: Celebrating 800 Years of the Canticle of the Creatures
This year marks the eighth centenary of St. Francis’ beloved Canticle of the Creatures, a hymn of praise that has inspired generations to see all of creation as a reflection of God’s goodness. ... Eight hundred years later, St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures continues to remind us of the intimate bond we share with all creation. It calls us to see every element of the natural world as a brother or sister - gifts given by the Creator, meant for our care, reverence, and joy.