Franciscan Life
Franciscan life is a love story — with God, with the poor, with the earth, with the stranger. Rooted in the spirit of Francis and Clare of Assisi, these posts explore what it means to embrace simplicity, kinship, and courageous countercultural choices in a world that constantly pushes the other direction. From returning land to Indigenous communities to the spirituality of dumpster diving to what the feast of St. Francis has to teach us today, this is a space for anyone drawn to the Franciscan way — whether you’ve taken vows or are just beginning to feel its pull.
God make us poor and nonviolent like St. Francis
Happy St. Francis Day! In light of all that is making humanity hurt far and near—the evils of greed, economic inequalities, environmental destruction, endless war…
Being merciful to yourself in the Year of Mercy
Mercy is the point where God’s love meets the needs of the world. When Pope Francis opened this Year of Mercy he stated, In this…
Walking for mercy, walking for justice
This week’s guest blogger, Michael Krueger, first met Sister Julia while working as a dishwasher at St. Rose Convent during his undergraduate years at Viterbo…
Bridges are built by individuals: Being sister across the divide
Last summer, I sat in a small circle of with other sisters my age at the Giving Voice conference. We were praying in silence, integrating…
The story in the world’s heart
There is an ancient story that is our common heartbeat. It speaks to us, deeply, quietly and simply; its whispers are heard in…
St. Francis Day Photos
Worldwide Franciscans like me are celebrating the founder of our order today. On the eve of this day, in 1226 St. Francis of Assisi died and…
Pumped for Pope Francis in the USA
This afternoon Pope Francis will arrive in the USA! Even though I can’t go the East Coast to greet him, I am very excited! During these…
Gleanings from “The Francis Factor”
Question from the audience: I am a rich Christian. What should I do? Shane Claiborne (smiling hugely): Ha! If only Jesus had said something…