Franciscan Tradition and Resources

Was the sin of Adam and Eve the main reason Christ came to save the world? Not really, says Blessed John Duns Scotus, a Franciscan theologian of the 13th century.

The intersection of the themes of religious life and mercy should be even clearer for those of us who commit to living the Franciscan charism in the modern world, for mercy was a theme close to Francis of Assisi’s heart.

The peace that Francis showed with birds, wolves, lambs, larks, and worms reminded his contemporaries that Adam and Eve lived in total harmony with all creatures before they were sent from the Garden of Eden.

Prayer is about God and our relationship to God. How we understand God’s relationship to us is very important. If I use distant and remote language to speak of God, then I will imagine that God is distant and remote.

Many people thought Clare of Assisi, a noblewoman, was wasting her life by living as a cloistered nun at San Damiano. She proved them wrong.

St. Bonaventure may not be as well-known as Sts. Francis and Anthony, but he is an important figure in both Franciscan history and the history of the medieval Church.