It has been said that our Secular Franciscan Order is one of the “best kept secrets” of the Church. Well, another “best kept secret” is where all our very important and valuable documents are stored . . . and who stores them.
“Now is the Son of Man glorified:” the passion by which Jesus will be glorified is now beginning. Jesus, lifted up on the cross, is the glory of God shining on the world.
Jesus is the shepherd, we belong to Him, we recognize His voice, and we follow Him. A relationship dramatic and life-changing
A Jubilee is an occasion in which Catholics can seek grace and holiness in a particular way. The name derives from the instrument used to mark its launch—the yobel, or ram’s horn—and proclaim the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) by the ancient Jewish people. Today, Jews celebrate the feast every year, though in the Bible, a Jubilee was to be observed every 50 years. (See Leviticus 25:8-13.) In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus makes clear his own mission to bring “Jubilee.” In the synagogue at Nazareth, he reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, proclaiming a year of the Lord’s favor. (See Luke 4:18-19; 21.)
God always calls us to more, always calls us to a higher level. But when we fall short, God accepts us, accepts what we offer.
The Ecumenical/Interfaith Committee of the OFS is offering a prayer service focused on the Beatitudes written by Neil Klotz, at 11 a.m. (ET) on Saturday, May 24.
For the past month the hymn, Companions on a Journey, has been running through my mind and heart. The lines of this hymn by Carry Landry keep repeating. “We are companions on a journey, breaking bread and sharing life, and the love we bear is the love we share, for we believe in the love of our God, we believe in the love of our God.” These words ring true for us as Franciscans.
“You are love” was the theme of the 17th General Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order held in Rome in November of 2024 during the 8th Centenary of the Stigmata. This idea was expanded upon by fellow Franciscans with explanations that God loved us first. Our Franciscan way of life begins with love. Love of God, love of self, and love of neighbors and our families. Testimonies and examples were shared. Our level of concern was elevated for struggling fraternities and for marginalized people throughout the world.
I’m writing this article in the wake of another school shooting, this time in Wisconsin. On the morning after, I heard one young woman outside of Mass say to her mom, “I thought we were supposed to ‘Do what’s right and just.’” Her mom simply put an arm around her shoulders and continued walking to their car. I didn’t hear her response, but said a quick prayer that the mother would know what words would comfort her daughter and give her hope.
Saturday, we prayed as our Holy Father, Pope Francis, was laid to rest at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome. Pope Francis was so consistent with his message about the Gospel. His first Apostolic Letter – Evangelii Gaudium – The Joy of the Gospel was in line with the OFS Rule.