(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2026  Issue #119)

Mary Frances Charsky, OFS • International Councilor, OFS–USA

Group Photo

At the CIOFS General Chapter in Rome (November 2024), the theme “You Are Love” reminded us that the Franciscan way of life begins with God’s initiative: God loved us first. From this gift flows the love we extend to ourselves, to our families, and to every brother and sister we meet along the way. Jesus places this truth at the center of discipleship when He calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. (Matthew 22:37–40)

As we celebrate The Year of Francis, we are invited to let this truth shape our daily living. Francis of Assisi recognized the divine seed in every person and responded with reverence, compassion, and peace. His example urges us to cultivate unity in our fraternities and communities by practicing patient dialogue, offering forgiveness, and seeking reconciliation.

To walk in the footsteps of Francis today means becoming instruments of peace – treating all people with dignity, building bridges where there is division, and allowing love to be the measure of our actions. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133)

May this Year of Francis renew in us the courage to love as Francis loved: wholeheartedly, joyfully, and without hesitation because we know the One who loved us first.

more group photos

Photographs provided by Bob Stronach, OFS