Formation

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….

2025-08-13T18:18:42-04:00August 18th, 2025|Categories: Formation, From the Newsletter, JPIC|0 Comments

We Are Called To Renewal

This passage from St. Paul (Rom12:2), notes three levels of adherence to God’s will: good, acceptable and perfect. Initially there is a minimum of following Christ which is solely good (not evil). Next we have acceptability which reflects a little higher adherence but still withholds total commitment and finally, there is perfection; for those who are fully committed to follow Christ and to become transformed by Him. It is a renunciation of self and desires, with a total intention of living for Christ in this world.

2024-05-29T14:16:08-04:00June 3rd, 2024|Categories: Formation, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

And after the Lord gave me some brothers

For St. Francis, living “according to the pattern of the Holy Gospel” was physical and sacramental. One of its signal characteristics would be its communal nature. Modeled on the example of Jesus and the apostles, it would be a community of brothers who would “give themselves to honest work,” living a life of poverty in the world “as pilgrims and strangers.” In this and the other ways in which the Franciscan movement would take shape—St. Clare’s cloistered Poor Ladies or the secular Brothers and Sisters of Penance—the paradigm of Franciscan life would be fraternity.

2024-05-15T13:49:49-04:00May 20th, 2024|Categories: Formation, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

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...

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

Return to the Canticle

It is further testament to the authenticity and originality of St. Francis that even though we encounter the Canticle often and in different ways, his song retains its power to inspire us. Even so, we should not take the Canticle for granted. Using our imaginations, we can bring fresh insights to the poem. We can find ways to keep his voice resonating anew for us. Consider a few thoughts along these lines: ...

2023-06-23T16:37:30-04:00June 26th, 2023|Categories: Centenaries 2023-2026, Formation, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

Free Gospel-to-life series offers faithful, contemporary look at Jesus

St. Bonaventure University is offering Secular Franciscans a free mini-course featuring a faithful and contemporary view of Jesus as He is presented in the Letters of Paul and the Synoptic Gospels. Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., a keynote speaker at the Quinquennial, will present the sessions online via Zoom on June 3, 10, and 17.

2023-03-21T11:16:19-04:00March 21st, 2023|Categories: Formation|1 Comment
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