Jesus’ works are gifts of restoration.  Something that was missing is found.  Something that was wounded is healed.  Sight, mobility, cleanliness, hearing, life, and dignity are returned to those who did not have them. Father’s Homily – video Father’s Homily – text

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Gaudete...

This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2025  Issue #117) By Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS • National Minister “When Jane asked if it was ok if she put her name on the ballot, I said that I was open and that I am not going to say no, because I...

John said, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming.” John works with water. Jesus works with fire for Spirit. Both are needed, but one is greater. Father’s Homily – video Father’s Homily – text Reflection on the Immaculate Conception

The...

Susan Ronan, OFS By Susan Ronan, OFS National Executive Council Secretary It is appropriate that Rule 3 addressing the changing conditions of our world follows Rule #2. Kathleen Molaro’s article in Voices of Gospel Living last month included a reflection on our Order’s description as an “organic union.” When I...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA 116) Regional Roundup In this issue, five of the 30 regions are highlighted. St. Margaret of Cortona Region The St. Margaret of Cortona Region covers all of Maryland and Virginia, Washington D.C., part of southeast Pennsylvania, southern Delaware, and the eastern portion of...

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reigns from the Cross.  We would like to think of more pleasant images:  like the Church as the Bride of Christ; or the Church as the Body of Christ.  Today’s image is more humbling: the Church is Christ, crucified between two thieves. Father’s Homily – video...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2025  Issue #116) Canticle of the Creatures Reflections – Part 2  Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility. What is Ours To Do? by Vickie Klick, OFS Chair, NAFRA Centenary Task Force When I...

Canticle of the Creatures Reflections – Part 2 (This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2025  Issue #116)  Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no one living can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin. Blessed are those whom death will...

We, the Church, we are the Body of Christ, the Temple of God, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.   Your church, not of its bricks and mortar or architectural style, but of yourselves, “living stones” because of what flows from it, the Body of Christ, missionary disciples, sent into...

Kathleen Molaro, OFS National YouFra Commission Chair Kathleen Molaro, OFS National YouFra Commission Chair As a young mom, I often felt overwhelmed with the myriads of daily tasks…everyday responsibilities that seemed to squelch my ability to connect my deepening faith with real life. I felt alone and detached from any...

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CCBY (This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2025  Issue #116) By Joseph Makley, OFS Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission Chair The first time I heard about Father Louis Vitale, OFM, was when he joined the protests at Fort...

All Saints and All Souls days are privileged moments for contemplation, taking a long, loving look at the real.  A long look: a sustained gaze, not a glance.  It requires time and focused attention, to settle down, not being in a hurry.  A loving look: this is tough, especially contemplating...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2025  Issue #116) Canticle of the Creatures Reflections – Part 2 Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love, and bear infirmity and tribulation Finding Meaning in Suffering by Sharon Winzeler, OFS Communications Committee Chair What do...

An introduction to learning how your fraternity or region can welcome and accommodate aspirants and members living with a range of disabilities will be offered on Zoom on Sunday, October 26. Accessibility Committee members will share experiences and guidance as professed seculars on the benefits of accommodating their and others’...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2025  Issue #116) by Joe Makley, OFS JPIC Animator Last May, JPIC animators from around the US gathered at Holy Cross Retreat Center near Las Cruces, NM, to pray, to learn, to build, and to renew connections and commitment. Fr. Ignatius Harding,...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2025  Issue #116) by Jerome Wolbert, OFM National Spiritual Assistant How would you describe spiritual assistance to someone who is not a Secular Franciscan? I have to answer this even for a lot of the friars that I try to recruit to...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2025  Issue #116)  by Bret Thoman, OFS “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.” (1 John 3:1) What does it mean to be a child of God? It means relating to...

Registration remains open for the NAFRA Zoom event celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s creation of the Canticle of the Creatures. The celebration will begin Sunday, Oct. 5, at 3PM Eastern/2PM Central/1PM Mountain/Noon Pacific and last 60-75 minutes. Plans include a talk on the writing of the Canticle by...

Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS National Minister Jane DeRose-BammanNational Minister How large is your family?  The size of my family has varied over the years.  Biologically speaking, I was raised in a large family (seven children). Lots of cousins on both sides.  In contrast, as an adult, my immediate family has only...

Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS Ministra Nacional Jane DeRose-BammanMinistra Nacional ¿Cuántos miembros hay en su familia? El tamaño de mi familia ha variado a lo largo de los años. Desde el punto de vista biológico, crecí en una familia numerosa (siete hijos). Tengo muchos primos por ambas partes. Por el contrario, como...