Franciscan Spirituality

A Franciscan prays in St. Saviour Monastery on the day of prayers and fasting for peace in the Old City of Jerusalem, Oct.17, 2023. That day a massive blast rocked CNEWA-supported al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City packed with wounded and other Palestinians seeking shelter, killing hundreds of people, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said. (OSV News photo/Debbie Hill)

Contemplation and the Franciscan Tradition

Sr. Rosemary Stets, OSF January 5, 2024

Prayer is defined as a lifting of our hearts and minds to God, and contemplation can be considered the highest form of prayer.

The Franciscan Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Christopher Heffron December 27, 2023

What do an American civil rights icon of the 1960s and an Italian mystic from the 13th century have in common? More than you might think.

Dialogue over Division

Sara P. Marks December 27, 2023

“The Franciscan charism will save the world!” Every now and then, this phrase pops up in our Franciscan family.

Annie Timmons

John Stegeman December 23, 2023

Annie Timmons' time with the Friars Club, a ministry located in Cincinnati, Ohio, goes back to 1978. Back then, she had no idea how much of her life would be spent in the Franciscan family.

Wooden Cross designed by Franciscan Media

Francis and Clare: Where the Tradition Begins

Sr. Rosemary Stets, OSF December 8, 2023

The genius of Francis and Clare's spirituality was their recognition that the Gospels could and should be lived by every person.

Michael Blackburn, OFM

Janice Lane Palko October 26, 2023

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.

Images of Blessed Carlo Acutis and the Eucharist are seen outside the building of the Friends of Carlo Acutis association in Assisi, Italy, in this Oct. 9, 2020, file photo. The U.S. bishops have chosen Blessed Acutis as the patron of the first year of a three-year National Eucharistic Revival. The Italian teen had a great love of the Eucharist and used his technology skills to build an online database of eucharistic miracles around the world. (CNS photo/Junno Arocho Esteves)

Carlo Acutis: A True Original

Christopher Heffron October 25, 2023

When I think of Carlo Acutis, I think about how he, too, was rooted in where he was. He wasn't particularly well-traveled. But his faith is marveled the world over. I love that about him.