The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
Prayer opens the way for the Holy Spirit to act in us, through God's gifts, leading us to the fullness of divine wisdom.
OFS-USA Governing Documents Cross-Reference Index
The Essential Documents of the Secular Franciscan Order (2005) is no longer in print. The Index in this document has been recently updated and has been added to the Home page on the OFS-USA website along with the OFS-USA Governing Documents that are contained within The Essential Documents of the Secular Franciscan Order.
Favorite Article, Scripture or Story : Compilation by NEC Members
At the last National Executive Council meeting, minister Jane De-Rose Bamman asked members to share either their favorite article of the Rule, scripture quote or story about St. Francis. This is a compilation of their sacred thoughts.
A Dog Bite and Matthew 5:44
Recently, a dog bit me. At our initial encounter, he seemed friendly but as he was passing me, he turned around to bite my leg. Not a nip – a real bite! I did nothing to provoke it. But who really knows … the dog didn’t give me a reason for the action. That experience made me ponder our relationships, especially with our enemies. Although we don’t always recognize them at first, people who can harm us do exist.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
Welcoming one another; the other who is sacred and holy. All of us, children of God, Brothers and sisters all. So let us live our rule, seasoned with the Beatitudes.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
us welcome Him who tries us with various testing. Let us rejoice, for by such travail the new creation is born in us. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Regional Roundup – five of the 30 regions are highlighted.
(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2025 Issue #115)
Regional Roundup
In this issue, five of the 30 regions are highlighted.
Los Tres Compañeros Region
The Los Tres Compañeros Region covers the central swath of Texas from the southern tip in the south to Dallas and […]
Quinquennial Registration Open
Registration is open for the Quinquennial scheduled for July 29-Aug. 2, 2026, in Lexington, KY. Keynote speakers are Br. Bill Short, OFM; Darleen Pryds, Phd; and Fr. Wayne Hellmann, OFM Conv.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
The casting of fire releases the Spirit, purifying, empowering, animating and enlightening life to love God and love our neighbor.
Family Apostolate – JPIC for Secular Franciscans
A JPIC apostolate for Secular Franciscans, essential and unique to our order, is our ministry to our families. ... Our families are not just biological or relational connections. In Lumen Gentium, Family is described as “the domestic church” (LG, 11) because we share common beliefs, purpose, and life, in a family. “…[It] has been a treasure for the Church….