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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.

Terri Leone2025-09-23T11:41:12-04:00September 23rd, 2025|Categories: Centenaries 2023-2026|0 Comments

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.

Miriam Kennedy2025-09-20T14:47:50-04:00September 20th, 2025|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

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 Seal2025-09-16T14:35:22-04:00September 22nd, 2025|Categories: From the Newsletter, FYYA|0 Comments

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.

Sharon Winzeler2025-09-24T22:26:36-04:00September 15th, 2025|Categories: Chapter News, JPIC|0 Comments

National Executive Council Elected at Chapter

A new National Executive Council was elected to a three-year term on Saturday, September 13, at the annual Chapter meeting at the Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, MD.

Sharon Winzeler2025-09-29T12:30:44-04:00September 13th, 2025|Categories: Chapter News, National Chapter|2 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Exaltation of the Cross – Fr. Christopher

We adore you, Lord Jesus Christ, here, and in all Your churches throughout the world, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Miriam Kennedy2025-09-14T09:33:57-04:00September 13th, 2025|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

Our Relationship with CIOFS

Our relationship with the International Fraternity, CIOFS, begins with all of us being brothers and sisters of Secular Franciscans around the world. I recall former National Minster, Tom Bello, OFS, telling us that we are members of four fraternities: the local, Regional, National and International Fraternities. We are connected to all Franciscans around the world.

Carolyn Seal2025-09-10T14:30:23-04:00September 15th, 2025|Categories: CIOFS, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

2025 State of the Order

The State of the Order address delivered by national minister Jane DeRose-Bamman delivered at Chapter outlines the past, present and future of the Order.

Sharon Winzeler2025-09-11T12:21:50-04:00September 11th, 2025|Categories: Chapter News|0 Comments

Rooted and Built Upon Christ, Guided by the Holy Spirit

Praising God and welcoming the Holy Spirit into their midst is how Fr. Gary Johnson, OFM Conv., encouraged Secular Franciscan leaders to begin the 2025 Chapter at Bon Secours Retreat Center this week.

Sharon Winzeler2025-09-10T12:01:21-04:00September 9th, 2025|Categories: Chapter News|0 Comments

Formation: The Heart of Secular Franciscan Life

Initial formation is the first step in a lifelong journey of learning, growing and discerning our vocations. ... Ongoing formation provides continuous opportunities for conversion and transformation as we strive to live our Rule. Good formation changes us and challenges us to question how we're doing on that journey. It gives us opportunities to reflect on our lives, the choices we make, the interactions that we have, and if we truly are living life to gospel and gospel to life. Formation supports us to continue growing in our vocation as we study the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare, the OFS Rule, and the gospels.

Carolyn Seal2025-09-06T12:36:53-04:00September 8th, 2025|Categories: Formation, From the Newsletter|0 Comments