Carolyn Townes, OFS, JPIC Award Recipient
Carolyn Townes, OFS, is the 2025 recipient of the Secular Franciscan Order’s Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation award.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
The rich man’s fault was not that he was greedy or selfish, but that he was blind, not seeing the poor and the struggling, not giving life to those who have none, not giving them a new future.
Sister Mother Earth – Canticle of Creatures Reflections Part 1
Francis never praises God’s works of creation; rather, he praises God the Creator per, or through, his works. When Francis looked at creation, he saw the Creator. Thomas of Celano emphasized this point: “In art he praises the Artist; whatever he discovers in creatures he guides to the Creator. He rejoices in all the works of the Lord's hands, and through their delightful display he gazes on their life-giving reason and cause.” (Second Life, Chapter 124, 165).
Reflections on 46 Years in the Secular Franciscan Order
On August 9, 1979, nine members of St. Francis Fraternity in Hackensack, NJ, took a significant step in their spiritual journey by being professed into the Secular Franciscan Order. My great blessing is that I was one of them. As I reflect on these 46 remarkable years, I want to share a few things I have learned along the way.
Reflexiones sobre 46 años en la Orden Franciscana Seglar
El 9 de agosto de 1979, nueve miembros de la Fraternidad de San Francisco en Hackensack, Nueva Jersey, dieron un paso significativo en su camino espiritual al profesar en la Orden Franciscana Seglar. Mi gran bendición es que yo fui una de ellos. Al reflexionar sobre estos 46 años extraordinarios, quiero compartir algunas cosas que he aprendido a lo largo del camino.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
When we pray let us attend to God with trust, with confidence. Knowing that God is our Father. And if we must ask, ask for the Spirit that binds us all as one.
Brother Fire – Canticle of Creation Reflections Part 1
Francis used to say “At dawn, when the sun rises, everyone should praise God, who created it, because through it the eyes are lighted by day. And in the evening, when it becomes night, everyone should praise God for another creature, Brother Fire, because through it the eyes are lighted at night.” (Assisi Compilation #83)
Sister Water – Canticle of the Creatures Reflections Part 1
You may be familiar with and donate to the H2O Project, the international project that helps promote Christian solidarity, advocacy and financial support for poor communities who have no access to clean drinking water.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
As Franciscans, we learn to “pray without ceasing,” to maintain a continuous, conscious connection with God throughout the day.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
“Go and do likewise.”