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.
Seeking corners of quiet but learning lessons on love instead
Recently I had a conversation with another sister. During the chat, we realized we had a common experience on our different retreats earlier this summer…
Staring At My Pile of Dirt: The cost of growing the kingdom of God in Chicago
I am glad to share this recent post from Daily Theology with all of you. It is written by one of my friends, Dannis Matteson…
Like loon encounters
“rowing on Trout Lake” photo by Julia Walsh FSPA Like loon encounters Communion with the Creator can come like loon encounters, when you are simply…
It happened!
The past few weeks have been very busy and full of life for me. I went on vacation and then retreat and then made my Final…
Just sandals and a walking stick
Note from Sister Julia: A version of the following text was written for my coursework in my Introduction to New Testament course at Catholic Theological Union where I am…
Franciscan Bookshelf: “One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are”
By Messy Jesus Business guest blogger K.P. “Eucharisteo always precedes the miracle.”– Ann Voskamp The concept of eucharisteo, as Ann Voskamp explains in One Thousand Gifts:…
Hearts on fire for the good of all
Soon after I decided to ask to make my perpetual vows and was approved to do so, I became a bit obsessed with fire. It’s…
The point of Wanda
The last few nights I have been reading and re-reading Pope Francis’ new encyclical Laudato Si’ (Praise be to you, my Lord) on care for our…