The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
The purpose of hearing the Word is to be “caught” by it, to have it illumine the mind and inspire the will so that it changes one’s thinking and acting.
Chapter Day Away – St. Vincent de Paul Facility of Phoenix
“When you serve and engage, you find meaning in your life. This helps you fill a hole in your life that only God can fill,” said Susan Junker, senior development officer for the St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) in Phoenix, Arizona. ... In a concerted effort to address poverty and promote dignity, the Phoenix Diocese operates comprehensive programs that reflect the shared values that Franciscans will recognize. Under the auspices of the SVdP, 380 staff members and 16,000 volunteers run the operation that focuses on spirituality, community and service.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – The Presentation of the Lord – Fr. Christopher
Let us be the light that announces that Divine Love is here, present in the temple of our hearts. In this way in the daily experience of living, we witness the Gospel and the Kingdom already present and active.
Homilies at Chapter 2024
Fr. Marek’s homily at the opening Mass on the Feast of the Stigmata emphasized that true discipleship requires us to listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. He reflected on the suffering of the stigmata or suffering as a transformative experience—"the kiss of Jesus"—that can lead to profound change if we invite God into our darkest moments.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
When one has a longing so great that it surpasses human nature and eager desire, and are able to accomplish things beyond human thought, it is the Bridegroom who has smitten them with this longing.
OFM Province Connects with OFS and Others at Synod
Representatives from the Franciscan Family and Franciscan-hearted individuals who work with the friars attended the Synod of the Franciscan Friars Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe from Jan 13-17 in Kansas City, MO.
St. Francis, Servant Leadership, and the Stigmata
Francis’ stigmata were the culmination of many sufferings with Christ over his lifetime. Many of those sufferings came from life with his brothers, as indeed it does for all of us. It is important for us to recognize that the problems we face today in living in fraternity are very similar to the problems that Francis and his brothers faced. Human nature has not changed!
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – The Wedding Feast at Cana – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
Weddings are about human love that co-creates human life. On a deeper level, a wedding where the mother of Jesus is present, symbolizes the relationship between the divine and the human, how the two embrace each other to create vitality. The wedding symbolizes how God and people are united in love to co-create spiritual life.
New Ritual Templates Available for Ceremonies and Rites
Create customized programs for your Professions, Admissions and Ceremonies of Welcoming using text from the new Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order.
We Are Called to Serve One Another
Serving is a prominent characteristic of Franciscan leadership philosophy. St. Francis sees himself as a servant to God and those in his community. When we look at the intentions and promises we make at the Rite of Admission and the Rite of Profession, two special, grace filled times, we see the word service.