Strengthening local fraternities and supporting members in living their Franciscan vocation were central to National Minister Jane DeRose-Bamman’s 2026 State of the Order message, presented Oct. 14 at the OFS-USA Chapter at the Spiritual Life Center.
In today’s parable of the Wedding Banquet of the King’s Son, we hear once again, in a kind of allegory of salvation history, what the Kingdom of God is like.
A Prayer Inspired By the Our Father From (The Undated Writings) FA:ED 1:158
St Francis used this passage in the Lord’s Prayer to emphasize our responsibilities under the first commandment, to love God with our whole heart, our whole soul, and our whole strength, and the second, to love our neighbor as ourselves. St Francis’ transcendent strategy of “Seeking Your glory in everything” is expressed in the Canticle of the Creatures, where all creation sings of God.
Much remains to savor as we journey to follow Francis' example of living the Gospel of Jesus, Our Lord. As we prepare to officially remember Francis' passing, let us reflect on our vocation.
Article 13 of the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order is one of the most demanding invitations in our Rule, and it is the blueprint for how I engage with others. It calls me to recognize each person as a “gift of the Lord and an image of Christ,” to look beyond superficial differences, and to offer others the dignity and love they deserve.
“Your Kingdom come” is first a prayer for the fullness of God’s everlasting kingdom, but it is also a call to recognize and serve His kingdom already present among us. The kingdom is wherever the King is known, believed in, and worshipped. For those who pray these words, the petition carries both hope and responsibility: Your kingdom come, my kingdom go.
The National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States welcomes you to a nationwide Zoom event celebrating the 800th anniversary of the transitus of Francis to eternal life.
Even when we grumble at God’s love and concern when we first discover it, we can make God’s heart rejoice if we obey.
From the Lord’s point of view, what really matters is not what you get. What really matters is that one works in the vineyard.