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17th OFS General Chapter Rome, November 7-17, 2024

“You are love” was the theme of the 17th General Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order held in Rome in November of 2024 during the 8th Centenary of the Stigmata. This idea was expanded upon by fellow Franciscans with explanations that God loved us first. Our Franciscan way of life begins with love. Love of God, love of self, and love of neighbors and our families. Testimonies and examples were shared. Our level of concern was elevated for struggling fraternities and for marginalized people throughout the world.

Carolyn Seal2025-04-29T13:12:16-04:00May 5th, 2025|Categories: CIOFS, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

Helping Young People Find Hope

I’m writing this article in the wake of another school shooting, this time in Wisconsin. On the morning after, I heard one young woman outside of Mass say to her mom, “I thought we were supposed to ‘Do what’s right and just.’” Her mom simply put an arm around her shoulders and continued walking to their car. I didn’t hear her response, but said a quick prayer that the mother would know what words would comfort her daughter and give her hope.

Carolyn Seal2025-04-24T15:26:19-04:00April 28th, 2025|Categories: From the Newsletter, FYYA|0 Comments

Lift Our Holy Father Up In Prayer

Saturday, we prayed as our Holy Father, Pope Francis, was laid to rest at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome. Pope Francis was so consistent with his message about the Gospel. His first Apostolic Letter – Evangelii Gaudium – The Joy of the Gospel was in line with the OFS Rule.

Jim Thomas2025-04-27T21:38:53-04:00April 27th, 2025|Categories: Minister’s Message, Uncategorized|1 Comment

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Divine Mercy Sunday – Fr. Christopher

It is God who is rich in mercy, whom Jesus Christ has revealed to us as Father. “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and sin” (Ex 34, 6-7).

Miriam Kennedy2025-04-26T17:05:46-04:00April 26th, 2025|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

Canticle of the Creatures Meditation

The Centenary Task Force invites you to join them this Earth Day for a meditative reflection of The Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi.

Sharon Winzeler2025-04-26T15:28:28-04:00April 22nd, 2025|Categories: Centenaries 2023-2026|0 Comments

JPIC: Sharing the Joy and the Hope

We can probably agree that “the Church’s best kept secret” is not the most desirable nickname for the Secular Franciscan Order. As a regional vice minister, I was asked to initiate a “vocations ministry” a few years ago. This resulted in a handbook which referenced the national Vocations Toolkit along with best practices from around St. Elizabeth of Hungary region.

Carolyn Seal2025-04-14T10:46:10-04:00April 21st, 2025|Categories: From the Newsletter, JPIC|0 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Easter Sunday – Fr. Christopher

The resurrection is not Jesus’ life beginning over again, but a new way of being alive in which death and the powers of darkness have been conquered. The resurrection of Jesus will not leave us living in the same way. We shall find the Lord who is waiting for us.

Miriam Kennedy2025-04-18T09:43:21-04:00April 19th, 2025|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

Vocations: Interviews with Regional Ministers

“We once had a spiritual assistant who said it’s all about the personal invitation – holding the door open and inviting people in,” said Ellen Ferrone, OFS, minister of the Brothers and Sisters of St. Francis Region. “He stressed guiding them to a place where their spirit might grow,” said Ellen.

Carolyn Seal2025-04-08T17:02:55-04:00April 14th, 2025|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Palm Sunday – Fr. Christopher

Let us acclaim Him, not only with Palm branches, but by honoring one another in charity.

Miriam Kennedy2025-04-11T18:39:09-04:00April 12th, 2025|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 5th Sunday in Lent – Fr. Christopher

The scribes and Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus into a choice between gentleness and righteousness, between mercy and justice.

Miriam Kennedy2025-04-05T09:28:07-04:00April 5th, 2025|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments