The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Solemnity of Corpus Christi – Fr. Christopher
For Francis, the Eucharist is the primary way in which he sees Christ’s continuing Incarnation in the world, the complete self-emptying of Christ.
Sir Brother Sun – Canticle of the Creatures Reflections
When I think about these events, I remember the amazing natural wonder of the eclipse and seeing the sun’s corona, but each one of these events was a time of human togetherness and shared experience. ... I think St. Francis would approve the idea of praising the glory of God’s creation with family, friends, and anyone else in the vicinity!
All Creation Sings – Canticle of the Creatures Reflections
The first time I was introduced to the “Canticle of the Creatures,” I was easily captivated by its seemingly all-encompassing spirit of joy and praise of our good God. Without knowing Francis’ story well nor the context of this canticle’s writing, I imagined him frolicking through a vast field of flowers on a bright summer’s day, without a care in the world. Yes, a moment when the true blessings of the Lord can be so obvious, even to the most tepid of believers. What was this setting of inspiration? What treasure could so captivate St. Francis?
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Trinity Sunday – Fr. Christopher
“Fear and honor, praise and consecrate, thank and adore the omnipotent Lord God in the Trinity and in the Unity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, creator of all things.” (From the Earlier Rule)
2025 Chapter Registration Available
St. Margaret of Cortona Region of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is eagerly preparing to welcome brothers and sisters from across the country Sept. 9-13, for the upcoming National Chapter gathering.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Pentecost – Fr. Christopher
When we walk by the Spirit we will be kind and good, we grow gentle and faithful. We experience incomparable peace, a joy the world cannot give.
Inclusive Multilingual Communication
A common statement that we have all probably heard is, “The United States is a melting pot.” But that doesn’t really seem right if you think of what a melting pot does and what its contents looks like. A melting pot melts down everything in it into one single entity. I picture a glutinous unicolored mass. Not an attractive site at all.
Chapter of Mats canceled; Plan for the Quinquennial
The 2026 Chapter of Mats is canceled, but there is another way to gather as Secular Franciscans. Plan on attending the Quinquennial in 2026.
Are You Listening?
If I have said that word once, I probably said it thousands of times during my thirty-five-year career as a Spanish teacher. The results varied each time the word was uttered in either language. When I was asked to write an article on communication for this issue of the TAU-USA, I looked back at the many articles (most recently, a 2023 issue) and presentations I’ve given on the topic. An integral part of those sharings has been listening, which will be the main focus here.
New England Spring Canticle
One of our recent Formation Friday”s offered a beautiful reflection on St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures that we’re all celebrating during these centennial years. We were asked to write our own canticle. I offer to you my humble “New England Spring Canticle.”