CNSA – Secular Franciscan Order

Breakaway Group Activily Seeks to Draw Members from OFS

Each of our families is touched by broken relationships. At least somewhere in the family tree, there is likely to be divorce, separation, or some kind of estrangement. Our national fraternity is similar in this way: there is a group of energetic former Secular Franciscans who have broken their fraternal relationships with us to form a separate group of Franciscan tertiaries. As is all too common with broken family relationships, these former members seek to draw other members into their group.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-11T15:17:31-04:00December 6th, 2021|Categories: CNSA, From the Newsletter|2 Comments

The Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Francis of Assisi

There is the tendency to view Francis’ devotion to Mary as somewhat of an isolated entity, unrelated to his spiritual life as a whole. Yet, Francis’ love for Mary was so much a part of him that it is almost impossible to separate his Marian devotion from his daily life.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-11T15:19:16-04:00November 28th, 2021|Categories: CNSA, From the Newsletter, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Our Life in Christ and Our Public Life

I don’t remember hearing about abortion until it was brought up for discussion in my high school English class. Abortion remains a hot topic after all these years, in spite of several commentators claiming decades ago that other issues would squeeze it out, but it still gets modest attention in many elections

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-14T15:00:35-04:00May 3rd, 2021|Categories: CNSA, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

National Spiritual Assistants Focus on Impact of Pandemic

Not surprisingly, the Conference of National Spiritual Assistants, understanding the impact that the pandemic has had on the brothers and sisters, took the opportunity to address the issues of this new reality.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-14T15:05:21-04:00April 19th, 2021|Categories: CNSA, From the Newsletter, National Chapter|0 Comments

A Culture of Contempt

This Prayer of the Church and the Profession of the OFS Rule direct our witness and mission to build a more fraternal and Gospel-centered world. In St Francis’ day, and in our own day, the members of the Franciscan Family are in a continuous struggle to build an alternative society.

Sharon Winzeler2022-05-18T14:31:12-04:00June 22nd, 2020|Categories: CNSA, Formation, From the Newsletter|1 Comment

Awakening!

This beautiful story of the future was sent by Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, T.O.R. It’s a “must see”!

Miriam Kennedy2022-05-19T16:15:31-04:00May 8th, 2020|Categories: CNSA|0 Comments

The Virus and the Emmaus Road – Fr. Christopher, T.O.R.

We have all travelled the road the two disciples walked that Easter night—the road of deep disappointment, sadness, despair, and anger. But it is also a road in which we meet the Risen One in the guise of those who offer us […]

Miriam Kennedy2022-05-19T17:16:30-04:00April 27th, 2020|Categories: CNSA|1 Comment

Easter Sunday 2020, Fr. Christopher, T.O.R.

Once again, the Resurrection of Jesus will be proven not so much by arguments over an empty tomb, but by proof of filled-up lives. Do you not know that you are the body of Christ?

Carolyn Seal2022-05-19T17:21:10-04:00April 20th, 2020|Categories: CNSA|1 Comment

Make Your Weeks Ahead Holy

Sisters and Brothers, may the Lord grant you peace!

Countless millions of us are ordered to “stay-at-home,” not to go to work, not to go to school, and to practice safe and social distancing when venturing out of doors for specific purposes. Religious services and events are being cancelled while religious […]

Miriam Kennedy2020-04-02T20:12:07-04:00April 2nd, 2020|Categories: CNSA|1 Comment

Secular Franciscan Spirituality – NSA Course November 2019

The spirituality of the secular Franciscan is a plan of life centered on the person and on the following of Christ, rather than a detailed program to be put into practice (Const. OFS 9.1; cf. Rule OFS 5).

Carolyn Seal2022-05-22T13:40:57-04:00January 29th, 2020|Categories: CNSA|0 Comments