Secular Franciscans Seek Encounter with Jesus Christ
By Mary Frances Charsky, OFS
International Councilor, OFS-USA
Mary Francis Charsky, International Councilor
Our OFS Rule Article 5 reminds us that the heart of our vocation is encounter. As Secular Franciscans, we are called to seek the living and active presence of Christ in our brothers and sisters, in sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in the liturgy. This is not an abstract ideal but a daily way of seeing and loving.
Saint Francis himself teaches us how to anchor this encounter in the Eucharist. His words, “I see nothing bodily of the Most High Son of God in this world except His most holy Body and Blood,” invite us to shape our entire lives around the mystery of Christ’s real presence. His Eucharistic faith becomes the pattern for our own: reverent, grateful, and transformative.
This year, Article 5 takes on even deeper meaning as Pope Leo XIV announced the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, marking the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis. In union with Pope Leo XIV, we are invited to enter this centenary with renewed devotion, prayer, and fraternity.
The Pope has offered prayers for this historic celebration, encouraging us to rediscover the Gospel life that Francis embraced with such joy. Pope Leo XIV has also granted a plenary indulgence for the faithful during this Jubilee Year, which is an extraordinary gift that invites us to conversion, reconciliation, and deeper communion with Christ and one another.
As we reflect on Article 5, may this Jubilee Year inspire us to encounter Christ more intentionally, to live the Gospel more transparently, and to walk in the footsteps of Francis with renewed love.
Pax et bonum.
Paz y bien.
Pace e bene.
Paix et bien.
OFS Rule Article 5
Secular Franciscans, therefore, should seek to encounter the living and active person of Christ in their brothers and sisters, in Sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in liturgical activity. The faith of St Francis, who often said, ” I see nothing bodily of the Most High Son of God in this word except His most holy body and blood,” should be the inspiration and pattern of their Eucharistic life.
CNSA Friars and Staff Meet with 1st Order Novices
Fr. Marek Stybor, OFM Conv., Fr. Jerome Wolbert, OFM , Fr. John DeLaRiva, OFM Cap. and (virtually) Mary Frances Charsky, OFS, Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR and Corinne Lorenzet, OFS with Friar novices and formaters at San Lorenzo Novitiate, Santa Ynez, California.
During the week of January 25-30, the CNSA Friars gathered at San Lorenzo, the novitiate house of the Capuchin friars in Santa Ynez, California, for a time of prayer, reflection on their ministry to the OFS, fraternity and CNSA business. Father Christopher Panagoplos was unable to attend, and the snowstorm on the east coast cancelled Mary Frances Charsky, OFS and Corinne Lorenzet, OFS’s travel plans. Thankfully, all three were able to attend virtually.
The highlight of the week was a presentation by the Friars as well as Mary Frances and Corinne to the novices from all three of the First Order obediences. The OFM and OFM Conventual novitiates are close to San Lorenzo, making this gathering possible. Nineteen novices and seven members of the novitiate formation teams were present.
Corinne Lorenzet and Mary Frances Charsky share the Secular Franciscan Rule and charism with the novices.
The presentation included an overview of the structure of the OFS by Mary Frances Charsky, OFS, a reflection on the OFS Rule by CorinneLorenzet, OFS, a discussion of the altius moderamen and the friars’ responsibilities to the OFS by Father Jerome Wolbert, OFM and a presentation on the development of the Third Order religious and secular by Fr. Christopher Panagoplos, TOR. Father Marek Stybor, OFM Conv. began with an introduction, and led the group in the prayer written by Pope Leo for this year devoted to St. Francis. Father John DeLaRiva, OFM Cap. concluded the presentation by reminding the novices and all present that we are one Franciscan family. We were impressed by the novices’ interest in learning more about the OFS, and how they may be called to serve in the future. They asked great questions! Fathers Marek, John and Jerome were able to spend time with the novices during prayer, Mass and meals which resulted in many rich conversations.
Fr. Jerome, Fr. John and Fr. Marek enjoying the California sunshine.
Prior to the CNSA presentation, the novices spent a day with Regis Armstrong, OFM Cap., Wayne Hellman, OFM Conv. and Bill Short, OFM. What an awesome experience for these young friars.
The time spent on CNSA business revolved heavily around spiritual assistance to the OFS. Br. Kip Ledger, OFM Cap., who has been very involved in spiritual assistance formation programs, joined the CNSA discussion. The friars developed an action plan for 2026 to begin to address the concerns that exist concerning spiritual assistants, and will be discussing these plans with the NEC at its next meeting.
We are grateful to Br. Kip for all his help to make this gathering possible, as well as the hospitality of the OFM Capuchin friars and novices at San Lorenzo.
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2026/01/cnsa-and-staff-meet-with-1st-order-novices/