Recording of the Canticle of the Creatures Presentation is Available
The Zoom recording of the Canticle of the Creatures presentation is now available to view.
We Are Family! OFS Rule Article 1
How large is your family? The size of my family has varied over the years. Biologically speaking, I was raised in a large family (seven children). Lots of cousins on both sides. In contrast, as an adult, my immediate family has only two.
¡Somos una familia! Artículo 1 de la Regla de la OFS
¿Cuántos miembros hay en su familia? El tamaño de mi familia ha variado a lo largo de los años. Desde el punto de vista biológico, crecí en una familia numerosa (siete hijos). Tengo muchos primos por ambas partes. Por el contrario, como adulto, mi familia inmediata solo tiene dos miembros.
Relationships and the Church Universal
What does it mean to be a child of God? It means relating to God, to ourselves, and to others in a deeply sacred manner. It is a mature identity we assume when we become utterly convinced that we are sons or daughters of God the Father through adoption in Jesus Christ. We reach this new identity when we accept that we were created by God the Father, he loves us passionately, knows us intimately, and will provide for us in every circumstance.
Multicultural Relationships
Multicultural relationships involve partners from different cultural backgrounds and can present challenges and opportunities. Effective communication is very important, as language barriers and different cultural expressions can complicate relations. ... Multicultural relationships are justice issues that seek the good of the other person(s). As Franciscans, we are known for our dedication to justice. We strive to bring people together in a society that is fair (or just). Each person needs to feel welcomed to create a diverse OFS community.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
In the situation on earth, the rich man’s indifference ensured that no crumb of sustenance or comfort from his table to the beggar at the door. Lazarus longed for food, even a crumb, but there was no “crossing over” from one side to another.
Song of Reconciliation
Song of Reconciliation is a letter from the 4 Franciscan Ministers General to the whole Franciscan Family for instruction & reflection on the Canticle of Creatures. “The Canticle of Creatures is a song of praise & Reconciliation.” “It summarizes Francis’ view of God and the world; creatures and human beings; himself and the Most High God.” In the “Conclusion” of this letter the Ministers General provide us with numerous “Admonitions” or “Challenges”; refer to the following list.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
The soul is the true self that finds itself grounded in God. Transformed, it thrives in communion with all of creation, yet it can be seriously threatened by materialism.
Building Relationships with Young People
The word “encounter” is a buzz word lately, and rightly so. Don’t we all crave community? The presence of others? A real and honest connection between ourselves and the world? We can’t build relationships from a distance.
Carolyn Townes, OFS, Honored with JPIC Award at National Chapter Gathering
"We try so hard to steer clear of anything that smacks of pain and suffering, although we are a nation in pain with tremendous suffering. We are brokenhearted. But the Psalmist tells us that God is close to the broken-hearted," Carolyn said in her JPIC award speech.