By Layna Maher, OFS National Formation Commission Chair . Layna Maher, OFS – National Formation Commission Chair Article 9 of the Rule reminds us: “The Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to his every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2026  Issue #119) 2026: A Year to Begin Again with Francis of Assisi By Layna Maher, OFS • National Formation Commission Chair Returning to the Original Grace Every vocation begins with a moment of grace, a turning point that gives life new...

The Franciscan Federation is creating a new space for Franciscans to gather, share, encourage one another, and deepen their commitment to living the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare. The Franciscan Federation will launch the Piazza, a new online community designed to foster connection, collaboration, and charism...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2026  Issue #119) By Jerome Wolbert, OFM • National Spiritual Assistant My Franciscan vocation began with the Seculars, so when the opportunity came for me to serve as a provincial delegate in 2011, I was happy to volunteer. I was in my...

The CNSA is excited to announce that the 2026 revision of the Handbook for Spiritual Assistance to the Secular Franciscan Order will be available from the Gospel to Life Bookstore and online in PDF format beginning on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 7th, 2026. .. The 2026 revision features:...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2026  Issue #119) By Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS • National Minister Over the last three years I’ve been focusing on death. In 2024, my father was called home. In 2025, my mother was called home. In 2026, we remember the 800th anniversary of...

Jesus’ deep and rich sense of relationship includes us.  He expects us to look out into the world with the eyes of the heart to the signs of the times, to meet the Risen Christ in a weary and wounded world, and to bring that wounded and weary world to...

   Did You Know ….   The US Bishops recently discussed and planned a special celebration for our Country’s 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence?  The goal of this Consecration is the unity and healing of the USA. The highlight of this celebration will be the Consecration of our...

The “way” is not a set of instructions.  It is a path already walked, a life already lived, a death already endured, and a new life already begun.  Without the cross, “the way” can sound like triumph.  But with the cross in view, it is marked by self-giving love, vulnerability,...

By Joe Makley, OFS National JPIC Animator . “As Jesus was the true worshipper of the Father, let prayer and contemplation be the soul of all they are and do.”  St. Francis spent time in the cave, which followed Jesus’ practice: “Very early in the morning, while it was still...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Winter 2026  Issue #118) By Francine Gikow, OFS Patrick Mendes, former U.S. National Minister of the OFS (2006-2009), said in an interview, “It is not what we do but what we bring to what we do. What we bring is our charism –...

Fr. Cidouane Joseph, OFM (Fr. Cid) is the new National Spiritual Assistant and Provincial Animator for Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, OFM. He succeeds Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM,  in this ministry and begins his service with a spirit of humility and fraternity. In May, Fr. Jerome will move to Rome...

The abundant life enhances our lives and the lives of others.  It refuses to add to the pain of the world.  It is life spilling over to life. Father’s Homily – video Father’s Homily – text

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Good Shepherd Sunday – 4th Sunday of...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Winter 2026  Issue #118) By Bret Thoman, OFS Anyone who has spent time with varied Franciscan fraternities knows that there are different ways of living the faith and putting it into action. On the one hand, some emphasize a strong sense of liturgy...

Because it’s a story of shattering and restoration, without a doubt, if your life has ever been shattered, then this is your story. If your life has ever been restored, this is your story as well. And if you have ever been in that in-between place, between shattering and restoration,...

As part of the ongoing Franciscan Jubilee, Secular Franciscans are invited to gather at Franciscan University of Steubenville, November 5-7, for a special academic conference. The university will host a conference entitled “Sister Death—Gate of Life” beginning Thursday evening and continuing through Saturday afternoon. Rooted in the spirituality of St. Francis...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Winter 2026  Issue #118) By Janice Benton, OFS and Susan Tabor, OFS • National Accessibility Committee Co-chairs Remembering Beloved Team Member, Michael Freeman, OFS On November 3, 2025, Sister Bodily Death came unexpectedly for our brother, Michael Freeman. Michael served on the OFS...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Winter 2026  Issue #118) By Kathleen Molaro, OFS • Youth and Young Adult Commission Chair Diversity “Today’s young adults represent the most culturally diverse generation ever seen in the United States,” according to the Bishops in Connecting Young Adults to Catholic Parishes. Young...

By Chris Leone, OFS National Councilor, OFS-USA . Chris Leone, OFS National Councilor God in his infinite mercy, understands that we will fall short, we will sin –  but he does not leave us in that sin.  Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we can be restored to love and friendship...

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Winter 2026  Issue #118) By Joe Makley, OFS • National JPIC Animator I remember with great warmth a snowy 2:00 AM drive to pick up our daughter, Grace, at Holy Cross Church in Lewiston, Maine, where the bus had returned from the March...