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.
A Recipe for Spiritual Reckoning
When the pandemic first began a few years ago, I remember one meme, in particular, that said something like, “We finally have an internationally recognized…
John the Baptist, Patron of Justice
As a teenager, I discovered Oscar Wilde’s “one-act play, Salome”, a retelling of the story of John the Baptist’s beheading by Herod Antipas. I was…
Simple Thoughts on Small Things
Moments like this kindle sparks of life in me: pausing meal prep to watch birds gathering on the feeder I hung outside the kitchen window;…
Parish Communities: Reflections of Heaven on Earth
Heaven is uncomfortable for me to think about. Sometimes talk about heaven juxtaposes Earth as an evil, tainted place and our bodies as temptations to…
Letter to Lady Clare from an imperfect Franciscan Sister
August 11, 2022 Dear Lady Clare, As an imperfect Franciscan Sister, I extend my gratitude for the inspiration and care you provide to me and…
A Story of Our History: Trauma and Systemic Racism
Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Meg Earsley, who celebrates the anniversary of her first vows on Aug. 7, is currently ministering in Bolivia and serving…
Jesus Is Here, Whether You Like It Or Not
It is hot as I walk across the grass. Really hot, with a heat index of 108 degrees, and the humidity is oppressive. Heavier than…
Calm in the Chaos: A Review of “The Soul’s Slow Ripening”
In the glow of the dawn light, I gaze at the green leaves thirsty for a fresh rainfall. I notice the longing of my heart…