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CHRIST, ST. FRANCIS, and FRANCISCAN THEOLOGICAL TERMS

Today, in Franciscan circles, specific words or phrases are used to describe the Franciscan understanding of Christ and Christ’s relationship to humanity and creation. Too often, no clear definition is given, and many Franciscan teachings are skipped over without understanding what is meant. This should not discourage us because St. Francis’ understanding of the Almighty deepened throughout his life. The man who began by repairing churches was not the same man who wrote the Canticle of the Creatures and gave himself back to God in the arms of Sister Death. So, Let us begin...

Carolyn Seal2024-01-31T11:08:19-05:00February 5th, 2024|Categories: Formation, From the Newsletter|2 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2024

"Care of the sick and infirm reminds us most visibly of how God deals with us graciously in our weakness. There is the tendency in all of us to stand tall and proud, attractive in strength and talent. We even rely on those things and think of those things as important to our relationships with others. . . . And so, we need a reminder that God does not glory in our accomplishments. God loves us for who we are—fragile and failing human beings—bent for another kind of glory where the accomplishment is God’s and ours is the gratitude."

Miriam Kennedy2024-02-03T12:06:05-05:00February 3rd, 2024|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|1 Comment

Reflections on gentle journey of peace, love

The gentle journey to profession in the Secular Franciscan Order opened my heart’s pathway to listen to Jesus’ GPS and participate in the experiences He had prepared along the journey.

Sharon Winzeler2024-02-24T14:33:36-05:00February 1st, 2024|Categories: National Executive Council, Voices of Gospel Living|Tags: Susan Ronan|2 Comments

What Way are You Going?

Abraham Lincoln had it right. We should not claim God’s blessing and endorsement for national policies and practices. We should not proclaim that God is on our side. Rather, said Lincoln, we should pray whether we are on God’s side. Martin Luther King Jr reminded us of God’s purposes for peace, for justice, for the building of the “beloved community,” where everyone is welcomed, everyone is included, and no one felt left out of the conversation. By the working of the Holy Spirit in human hearts, unity is forged in diversity. ...

Carolyn Seal2024-01-25T15:00:29-05:00January 29th, 2024|Categories: CNSA, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens

On May 3rd, 2020, Fr. Christopher Panagoplos recorded his first Sunday homily to be shared with the Secular Franciscan Order. Since then, faithfully, he has prepared and delivered a homily each week, reflecting on the scriptures from a Franciscan perspective. As we approach the beginning of a fourth year of these treasures, Fr. Christopher shares in his most recent homily for Sunday, January 28th, 2024, the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, some insights about how our following in the footsteps of our Seraphic Father, Francis, we are following in the footsteps of Christ himself.

Miriam Kennedy2024-01-27T15:06:46-05:00January 27th, 2024|Categories: CNSA, Homilies|0 Comments

CNSA Workshop – Intentional Choices: The Life and Ministry of a Spiritual Assistant

On Thursday, January 18th, the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants (CNSA) gave a workshop for 12 local and regional spiritual assistants and formation directors from St. Francis, St. Junipero Serra and St. Thomas More regions at Mary and Joseph Retreat Center in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Miriam Kennedy2024-01-24T17:19:48-05:00January 24th, 2024|Categories: CNSA, Spiritual Assistance|0 Comments

2023 Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Award

Our JPIC award recipient for 2023 is Steve Wasko, OFS. Steve is a member of St. Bonaventure Fraternity, in the Divine Mercy region. He is founder and executive director of the St. Suzanne Cody Rouge Community Resource Center, which is a faith based non-profit in Detroit. What follows is a brief interview with Steve: ...

Carolyn Seal2024-01-17T14:08:12-05:00January 22nd, 2024|Categories: From the Newsletter, JPIC|1 Comment

JPIC – A Change in Leadership

Joe Makley, OFS, is the new national animator for Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation. He replaces Carolyn Townes, OFS, who was appointed to the position in 2013 by the late Tom Bello, OFS. Bello asked Townes to work on educating Secular Franciscans on JPIC issues. The National Executive Council paid tribute to Caroline (Carolyn) for her 10-year term with a retrospective slide show featuring her work on the JPIC commission. ...

Carolyn Seal2024-01-12T14:10:40-05:00January 15th, 2024|Categories: From the Newsletter, JPIC|2 Comments

Epiphany of Jesus Among Us

“How will you respond to someone new that comes into your path? How will you present Jesus in your heart to them?”

Sharon Winzeler2024-01-12T08:52:33-05:00January 10th, 2024|Categories: Voices of Gospel Living|Tags: Cherryle Fruge|1 Comment

Franciscan Centenary Celebration Activity

Vickie Klick, OFS, chair of the Centenary Task Force, led an activity focusing on the four-year Franciscan Centenary Celebration. Chapter attendees had an opportunity to participate in an exercise focusing on the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order. The attendees worked in pairs to discuss questions focusing on the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The goal of the activity was for the participants to better understand how living the Rule, builds relationships between sisters and brothers. ...

Carolyn Seal2024-01-03T20:13:59-05:00January 8th, 2024|Categories: Centenaries 2023-2026, From the Newsletter|0 Comments