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.
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.”
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).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
In early December 2025, one of the daily gospel readings was from Matthew 7:24-25 “…like a wise man who built his house on rock…it did not collapse because it had been built solidly on rock.”. Article 4 of our Rule, placed at the beginning of Chapter 2, The Way of Life, is, to me, that rock, that foundation of what it means to live our Rule.
Sirach offers a plan of family behavior good for any generation. Good behavior is grounded on honor, respect, prayer, reverence, obedience, care, kindness and consideration of others. These are virtues meant to establish a loving, united household of peace and joy.