St. Francis

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.

Image depicting Saint Francis and the Christ Child.

Greccio and the First Live Nativity: 800 Years of Tradition

Darleen Pryds, PhD October 24, 2023

While the tradition of a live Nativity scene dates back to 1223, St. Francis’ approach to the incarnation and the birth of Jesus remains revolutionary and spiritually transformative for today.

Tiny Stitches

Maureen O'Brien October 16, 2023

Reflect In the lower level of the soaring Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, the tunic of Francis is spread under glass, patched together with yellow stitches of thread. Today, consider how one of the world’s most influential saints lived ...

St. Francis’ Prayer for Courteous Fire

Theresa Doyle-Nelson October 13, 2023

Reflect “My brother fire . . . be kind to me in this hour, be courteous!”—St. Francis of Assisi Over time, St. Francis’s eyes began to weaken and doctors advised a cauterization—a deliberate burning of the eyes—with hopes of a ...