All members of the Franciscan family are invited to subscribe to CIOFS e-newsletter and be informed of the events planned to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis of Assisi as well as other news.  You can subscribe by clicking on this link. Included in the newsletter...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2025  Issue #117)  “For His praise, I wish to compose a new hymn about the Lord’s creatures, of which we make daily use, without which we cannot live, and with which the human race greatly offends its Creator.”   St. Francis of Assisi,...

All of us are the chosen ones.  Not “them and us,” not “one race and the exclusion of others.”  In wonder and gratitude, the mystery reveals, manifests, that in God’s eyes all people are equal. Father’s Homily – video Father’s Homily – text

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens –...

By Corinne Lorenzet, OFS National Executive Council In early December 2025, one of the daily gospel readings was from Matthew 7:24-25 “…like a wise man who built his house on rock…it did not collapse because it had been built solidly on rock.”. Article 4 of our Rule, placed at the...

 by Sharon Winzeler, OFS  Committee Chair (This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2025  Issue #117) Fr. Tomas, Church witness, Ana Maria, election presider, and Kim Pappas, election secretary. The National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States (NAFRA) concluded its 2025 Chapter with the election...

 By Sharon Winzeler, OFS • Communications Committee Chair National Minister, Jane De-Rose-Bamman Jane , National Minister, showing presentation at the Chapter 2025 Jane DeRose-Bamman, minister of the Secular Franciscan Order-USA, began her State of the Order at the National Chapter on Sept. 10, 2025, with words of inspiration taken from...

NAFRA has issued a Call to Franciscan Accompaniment that urges Secular Franciscans to respond faithfully and courageously to the fear and distress faced by immigrants and marginalized communities. Grounded in Church teaching, the Franciscan Rule, and guidance from the U.S. bishops, it calls members to uphold human dignity, due process,...

By Sharon Winzeler, OFS • Communications Committee Chair The National Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States met September 9 – 14, 2025, at the Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, Maryland. Over the course of five days, the regional ministers, national leaders, and spiritual assistants, elected...

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...