The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 4th Sunday in Advent – Fr. Christopher
Joseph the carpenter is at work here, trying to build a response of love in a world of law.
State of the Order 2025
Jane DeRose-Bamman, minister of the Secular Franciscan Order-USA, began her State of the Order at the National Chapter on Sept. 10, 2025, with words of inspiration taken from a 2018 letter by Tibor Kauser, minister general: “Our goal is to become holy, to show God’s love to the world, to make the life of others better, to get closer to God and to bring others closer to God.”
Call to Franciscan Accompaniment
Emphasizing justice, unity, and solidarity, a Call to Franciscan Accompaniment invites fraternities to assess community needs, support immigration reform, and accompany those who are suffering with visible, compassionate service.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Gaudete Sunday – Fr. Christopher
We know God is with us by the signs: healing, openness, conversion, freedom, the outcast and the forgotten are welcomed home, people dead in despair and misery are given life, and the good news is preached to the poor of the world.
Chapter Highlights: Budget, Committee Reports and Other Business
The National Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States met September 9 - 14, 2025, at the Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, Maryland. Over the course of five days, the regional ministers, national leaders, and spiritual assistants, elected a new National Executive Council, adopted a budget, and prayerfully conducted the business of fraternity.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 2nd Sunday in Advent and the Immaculate Conception – Fr. Christopher
This is the time to purify and simplify, to come back to what is essential. To re-think where we have been, to re-think where we are going.
A New Term and Looking to Make a Difference
"When Jane asked if it was ok if she put her name on the ballot, I said that I was open and that I am not going to say no, because I do not want to have a conversation with Jesus as to why I didn't let Jane run for national minister." Brian Bamman
OFS Rule #3 – Adapting St. Francis’ Rule to the needs and expectations of the Holy Church in the conditions of changing times
It is appropriate that Rule 3 addressing the changing conditions of our world follows Rule #2. Kathleen Molaro’s article in Voices of Gospel Living last month included a reflection on our Order’s description as an “organic union.”
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 1st Sunday in Advent – Fr. Christopher
Let us be aware of this divine activity. Let God’s redeeming presence enter into our thinking and planning. Let us stay awake through the night.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Christ the King – Fr. Christopher
Our King is the Good Shepherd who gathers and holds us together. Our King is the image of the Invisible God who made us to live in the light.