Followers of St. Francis

Michael Blackburn, OFM, stands in front of a mountain

Followers of St. Francis: Michael Blackburn, OFM

Though known for establishing the Jesuits, St. Ignatius of Loyola initially found inspiration for conversion in the life of St. Francis of Assisi while recovering from a debilitating leg injury.
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Followers of St. Francis

Followers of St. Francis: Father Phil Ley, OFM Conv

San Antonio may be a half a world away from Assisi, but Father Phil Ley guesses that St. Francis would have found himself at home at a shelter that welcomes immigrants with no place else to go.
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Followers of St. Francis

Followers of St. Francis: Sister Vickie Griner, OSC

The promise of pursuing a fulfilling career and the satisfaction of advancing in one’s profession is certainly not an uncommon aspiration.
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John Young in Africa

Followers of St. Francis: John Young

“St. Francis went out of his comfort zone and physically suffered for the sake of the Gospel; I take a lot of inspiration from his example,” John Young says.
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Father Vincent Petersen OFM Conv

Followers of St. Francis: Vincent Petersen, OFM Conv

Father Vincent Petersen, OFM Conv, a connection with the natural world was there from the start. 
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Sister Jane Mary Sorosiak

Followers of St. Francis: Sister Jane Mary Sorosiak, OSF

Sister Jane Mary has been spreading joy for more than six decades through her service and art.
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Followers of St. Francis

Followers of St. Francis: Sister Shirley Shafranek, OFS/T

You could say that Sister Shirley Shafranek, OFS/T, was born a Franciscan and that, as her life unfolded, so did her realization that God was calling her to religious life.
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