The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Christian Unity Week – Fr. Christopher
This week faith traditions around the world will assemble in prayer to make the Lord’s words living and active, “that all may be one.”
Voices of the Friars Call Secular Franciscans to Kindness, Peace, and the Cross Part 2
From daily Mass to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, prayer was an essential element at the 2025 National Chapter at the Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, Maryland, and was led by several friars, three of whom are members of the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants (CNSA).
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – The Baptism of Our Lord – Fr. Christopher
Just as God the Father claimed His Son as “His Beloved,” so too, does God claim each of us as His beloved daughters and sons. In the waters of baptism, we have become a new creation.
Voices of the Friars Call Secular Franciscans to Praise, Kindness, Peace, and the Cross
From daily Mass to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, prayer was an essential element at the 2025 National Chapter at the Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, Maryland, and was led by several friars, three of whom are members of the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants (CNSA).
Subscribe for updates on Franciscan events
All members of the Franciscan family are invited to subscribe to CIOFS e-newsletter and be informed of the events planned to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis of Assisi as well as other news.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Feast of the Epiphany – Fr. Christopher
They symbolize the noblest human effort. They are the wise ones, star gazers, men of philosophy, science and treasure. They go trekking for the truth. Finding it, see it revealed, manifested, in Jesus.
Chapter Formation: Celebrating 800 Years of the Canticle of the Creatures
This year marks the eighth centenary of St. Francis’ beloved Canticle of the Creatures, a hymn of praise that has inspired generations to see all of creation as a reflection of God’s goodness. ... Eight hundred years later, St. Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures continues to remind us of the intimate bond we share with all creation. It calls us to see every element of the natural world as a brother or sister - gifts given by the Creator, meant for our care, reverence, and joy.
Our Foundation – OFS Rule, Article 4
In early December 2025, one of the daily gospel readings was from Matthew 7:24-25 “…like a wise man who built his house on rock…it did not collapse because it had been built solidly on rock.”. Article 4 of our Rule, placed at the beginning of Chapter 2, The Way of Life, is, to me, that rock, that foundation of what it means to live our Rule.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Feast of the Holy Family – Fr. Christopher
Sirach offers a plan of family behavior good for any generation. Good behavior is grounded on honor, respect, prayer, reverence, obedience, care, kindness and consideration of others. These are virtues meant to establish a loving, united household of peace and joy.
Secular Franciscans Elect New National Executive Council, Set Priorities for 2025–2028
The election marked the conclusion of a five-day meeting that gathered the elected NEC officers, committee chairs, ministers of the 30 regional fraternities or their delegates, the CNSA – the four national spiritual assistants who represent the Franciscan friars: OFM, OFM Conventual, OFM Capuchin, and Third Order Regular (TOR), and observers. The new national priority developed by a task force is “Living the Gospel.” This priority emphasizes build-ing relationships, inspiring others to seek God, forming ourselves in the Franciscan way of life, attracting vocations, and working to rebuild the Church.