Franciscan Spirituality

St. Francis

On the Road Paved by St. Francis 

For some, the idea of not putting roots down and staying in one place may seem daunting—even impossible. But for this author, it’s part and parcel of her Franciscan identity and response to God’s call. 

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Friar poses with people

St. Francis Builds: Transforming Lives through Faith and Construction

For 20 years, this global ministry has combined physical labor and spiritual formation to rebuild lives, communities, and the Church itself. 
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Henryk Cisowski, OFM Cap

Growing up in western Poland during the Communist era, Henryk Cisowski first met Franciscans at the lively Catholic parish a block from his home. 
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St. Anthony of Padua

St. Anthony, Help Me Find…Beauty

St. Anthony of Padua, that Hammer of Heretics, serves as a model to me that I am to preach against any dualism within myself that blocks an openness to beauty.
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St. Anthony statue

St. Anthony, Help Me Find…Well-Being

Life can often feel like, in St. Anthony’s words, “choppy water,” and we can indeed lose our sense of bearing when things get chaotic or even hostile.
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St. Anthony Statue

St. Anthony, Help Me Find…Community

One of my favorite stories of St. Anthony is the one about how, during the final years of his life, the friars built Anthony a treehouse in a large walnut tree not far from the friary.
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St. Anthony of Padua picture

St. Anthony, Help Me Find…Stability

St. Anthony can, through meditation and prayer, help us find a sense of calm long enough to hear God’s voice.
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