Gentleness in Fraternity Life
Thankfully, we have the Franciscan tradition to give us some good examples of how to live this Gospel sense of fraternity, stories that we share in common that encourage and challenge us in living fraternity.
Why Is It Important for Catholics/Secular Franciscans (OFS) to Collaborate Ecumenically?
After finishing high school, becoming an “alumna” of Capuchin Youth & Family Ministries (CYFM), and going away to college, I gradually began to yearn more and more for the charism of the Franciscan community
20th Quinquennial Congress : Phoenix Arizona – August 18-22, 2021
With nearly two years to go to the Quinquennial Congress, where we will celebrate the 800th anniversary of our Secular Order, we are actively seeking dynamic presenters who will not only add to our body of Franciscan knowledge but also speak to our hearts to increase our Franciscan spirituality and call us continuously to conversion.
National Priority 2018-2020 Fraternity Life
Pope Francis is addressing First Order friars, but his thoughts on fraternity are also relevant to Secular Franciscans. He observes that Francis considered fraternity a gift. How is fraternity a gift to you?
Summer Seminar for Secular Franciscans “Clare of God”
Fr. John said, “Seeing St. Clare’s life in the context of the 13th century allows us to see that we are not called to pretend or to ‘imitate’ the details of what she did, but to respond to grace within our own contexts and lives.”
National Minister’s Message – TAU-USA Summer/Fall 2019
No matter what method we use to help us get things done, there are times in life when we are stopped dead in our tracks. It may be loss, conflict or confusion, but when something big lands right in our path, we are often stopped short. ... Purity of heart sets us free. St. Francis calls us to this freedom, to “put aside every care and anxiety, to serve, love, honor and adore the Lord God with a clean heart and a pure mind."
160 Years – Utica, NY Fraternity Celebrates with Awards and Street Signs
Betty Frank, OFS, who was professed 70 years ago and is one of the longest living professed Secular Franciscans in the U.S., helped to unveil the “Welcome to Utica” sign for city officials during the 160th Anniversary Celebration of St. Joseph Fraternity. Founded in March 1859, the fraternity is the second oldest in the country.
My Franciscan Life
Dear Brothers and Sisters: I can’t believe I have been a Secular Franciscan for 50 years.
30 Years of Human Rights Advocacy at the UN
For most of us ‘human rights’ is a vague and abstract term. It seldom moves us until we’re confronted with what it means to lack human rights. Here’s an example: Try to imagine living without an official identity such as a birth or marriage record.
The Prologue: Lens of the Rule
Careful consideration suggests that the Prologue should be the starting point for any study, discussion, or meditation on the Rule.