A Jubilee Invitation: Reflecting on “Sister Death—Gate of Life”
The Franciscan University of Steubenville will host an academic conference in honor of the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi. Secular Franciscans are invited to attend.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Divine Mercy Sunday – Fr. Christopher
. In the presence of the Risen Lord in person, Thomas steps forward and makes a most exalted act of faith contained in the Gospel: “My Lord and my God.”
Accessibility Committee Update
On November 3, 2025, Sister Bodily Death came unexpectedly for our brother, Michael Freeman. Michael served on the OFS Accessibility Committee since its inception. He faithfully served his fraternity in the Joan of Arc region, and was active in serving his region, including as the JPIC animator for several years. Michael was a devoted husband and father and worked as a special education teacher. ... On October 8, 2025, the Accessibility Committee hosted its first national webinar focusing on why creating access for individuals who are deaf or who live with a range of disabilities is so important for every Secular Franciscan fraternity and region.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Easter Sunday – Fr. Christopher
Christ is Risen, Alleluia! He is truly Risen, Alleluia!
God’s Mercy Revealed – OFS Rule Article 7
God in his infinite mercy, understands that we will fall short, we will sin - but he does not leave us in that sin. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we can be restored to love and friendship with God and receive the grace to mend our relationships with each other.
Gospel to Life; Life to Gospel: A Challenge for Young People
“Today’s young adults represent the most culturally diverse generation ever seen in the United States,” according to the Bishops in Connecting Young Adults to Catholic Parishes. ... Add this to the many cultural, economic and geographical differences present in our country and we find a beautiful but challenging diversity. One commonality, though, is that young people who have chosen a life of faith have a deep desire to connect that faith with everyday life.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Palm Sunday (Reprise) – Fr. Christopher
Let us acclaim Him, not only with Palm branches, but by honoring one another in charity.
Doing our Little Bit for Justice
I remember with great warmth a snowy 2:00 AM drive to pick up our daughter, Grace, at Holy Cross Church in Lewiston, Maine, where the bus had returned from the March for Life in Washington D.C. She was less weary than the chaperones, and excited to share her adventures. It was around that same time my pastor, Father Conley, asked me to do a talk after Mass to support the diocese pro-life legislation.
Servant of God Adele Brice Update
UPDATE: Adele Brice is confirmed as a Third Order/Secular Franciscan and a bit of our USA history.
Faith without Action is Dead; Action without Faith is Social Work
True faith deepens our relationship with God and attunes our actions with his will. It is a form of surrender to the divine. It is a theological virtue through which we accept as true all that God has revealed to us through Scripture and the Church. As the apostle John wrote, let us not love only with words, but with action and in truth. (1 John 3:18).