Coming Soon – Revised Handbook for Spiritual Assistance to the Secular Franciscan Order
Available on June 7th - Print version for sale on the Gospel to Life Bookstore. Also available for download from the National Website CNSA page.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Pentecost – Fr. Christopher
The Spirit does not erase differences. The Spirit speaks through difference. Pentecost is not uniformity but aids us in understanding.
REFLECTIONS ON FIFTEEN YEARS: Grateful for the Opportunity to Serve the OFS
My Franciscan vocation began with the Seculars, so when the opportunity came for me to serve as a provincial delegate in 2011, I was happy to volunteer. I was in my second assignment after ordination – middle-aged as a person, but young as a friar. This service has been an incredible opportunity for me to grow and exercise our Franciscan charism. At several points, I have been grateful for those who have walked with me in leadership. My connections grew with their support, leading eventually to the positions I have now as OFS Animator for my province and National Spiritual Assistant.
Grain of Wheat
Over the last three years I’ve been focusing on death. In 2024, my father was called home. In 2025, my mother was called home. In 2026, we remember the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Both my parents lived 93 years. St. Francis lived about 45 years. An opportunity to focus on death is truly an opportunity to focus on life.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Feast of the Ascension – Fr. Christopher
Franciscans live in the midst of the world, in our communities and from our homes. Our witness to the Risen Christ is living in a way that shines out to others: a witness of faithful love through daily life in family and fraternity, neighborhood and workplace; a witness to the struggles for social justice and human dignity; a witness of daily conversion, the willingness to conform our thoughts and actions to those of Jesus.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 6th Sunday of Easter – Fr. Christopher
The invisible God is made visible in Jesus, and becomes present in quieter and purer ways, felt and trusted through us. Jesus sends us His life-giving Spirit who will always stand with us.
USA Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Consecration of the USA to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - by Whom and why
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 5th Sunday of Easter – Fr. Christopher
The cross unmasks the world’s definition of truth (control, dominance, certainty) and replaces them with a costly self-giving love that does not defend itself.
Prayer and Contemplation – OFS Rule Article 8
Contemplative prayer can be a gift. But even when it is a gift, it is a discipline, of heart, of mind, of disposition.
Welcoming Fr. Cid Joseph to the CNSA
Fr. Cidouane (Cid) Joseph appointed to the CNSA and as OFS Animator for Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, OFM.