Canticle of the Creatures Event Sunday, Oct. 5
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 Justin Carisio, OFS, and a panel discussion on living the Canticle. Justin is a professional writer with a particular interest in the Early Documents, especially the writings of Francis.
Panelists include current National Vice Minister Diane Menditto, current International Councilor Mary Frances Charsky, and previous Regional Vice Minister and JPIC councilor for Mother Cabrini Regional Fraternity Mike Huck.
Registration will remain open until the event begins. Sign up for the online event at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_llUdGnlSSw-8l8Q6fT1iyA
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/10/canticle-of-the-creatures-event-sunday-oct-5/
We Are Family! OFS Rule Article 1
Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS
National Minister
Jane DeRose-Bamman
National 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 two.
My experience of Franciscan fraternity families has varied also. I professed while a member of a large fraternity (probably 80-100 people). I am now a member of a small fraternity with three professed and seven in formation.
The size of the family or fraternity does not matter. What matters is the connection, the relationships.
Article 1 of the OFS Rule states we are a part of a family. This family has an important role in the life and mission of the Church. 
Each member has unique gifts and skills. We aren’t clones of each other. St. Francis stressed to his brothers that they were not to copy him, but rather seek what was theirs to do in following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Article 98 of the OFS General Constitutions expounds on Article 1 of the OFS Rule.
We are called to live in life-giving reciprocal communion with all members of the Franciscan Family. Our family is LARGE – First, Second and Third Orders, Secular Institutes, other lay ecclesial groups who follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis. The Franciscan Family is called to work together to spread the Gospel, remove the causes of marginalization, and serve the cause of peace.
Let’s not get overwhelmed, rather let’s embrace the call to connect with our family and further these initiatives as the Holy Spirit is calling us to do. I look forward to building relationships and to hearing how others are doing the same.
Speaking of relationships, since we are family, I look forward to an invitation to come over for dinner soon.
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/10/we-are-family/