From the National Office
Happy Summer from the Franciscan Federation!
The past few months have been filled with exciting developments, and I’m delighted to share our Summer edition of The Damiano with all our members. To start, please join me in welcoming Brady Young, our new Manager for Member Engagement and Communications. Brady brings a vibrant Franciscan spirit to our team, along with valuable knowledge and best practices in programming and strategic communications.
I’d also like to highlight two upcoming events you won’t want to miss. First, our Care for Creation webinar is coming up this Saturday—time is running out to register, so be sure to click the link below! Next, we invite you to join us for the Franciscan Federation’s first-ever virtual pilgrimage to Assisi. This week-long retreat promises spiritual enrichment and community connection—a wonderful way to deepen your faith journey.
Finally, be sure to read all the way to the end of this edition, where you’ll find a special treat: a poignant reflection from Federation member Carolyn Townes, OFS, on balancing advocacy and renewal. Carolyn’s insights are especially timely as we feel called to advocate in so many areas of our lives. I encourage you to savor her meditation and consider her inspiring call to action.
Thank you for your ongoing membership and support of the Franciscan Federation. I look forward to all that lies ahead for our community!
Peace,
Julianne Wallace, Executive Director
Upcoming Franciscan Federation Events
Care for Creation Author Roundtable- THIS Saturday!
Please join Franciscan Federation on Saturday, June 28th for a discussion of the expanded edition of the book Care for Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth with its three authors, Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF, Br. Keith Douglass Warner, OFM, and Pamela Wood. The original edition of this book was deeply transformative for me when I read it, which was before Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si in 2015. I was profoundly moved in learning about how the Franciscan tradition includes a spirituality of the earth, where we are situated as members of creation, interconnected with all other beings. The authors help to make eco-spirituality – a term that many of us did not grow up with – tangible. Their masterful weaving of science, theology, and practical actions we can take enables the authors to produce a solidly Franciscan narrative describing humanity’s role in caring for creation.
During this tenth anniversary year of Laudato Si and 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, it is thrilling to see the expanded edition published, updated to articulate the specific ways in which Laudato Si articulates Franciscan eco-spirituality. In addition, the authors have added an entire resource section at the end of the book to assist us in putting Laudato Si into practical action in our daily lives. The activities, meditations, and toolkit for leading a Laudato Si retreat provide practical ways in which we can support ourselves and others in living Laudato Si. The Franciscan Federation will be blessed to have the authors come together with us on Saturday to discuss this expanded edition and how the book can help us meaningfully spread the eco-spirituality demonstrated by St. Francis and popularized in the modern era by Pope Francis. We hope you can join us!
By Kelly Moltzen, OFS
Assisi Virtual Pilgrimage
Escape the Summer Crowds and Heat!
Dates: July 20–24, 2025
Time: 7:00–9:00 PM ET each evening
Location: Online via Zoom
Registration: $80 (members) | $100 (non-members)| $150 (groups)
Join us for a transformative five-day virtual pilgrimage to the sacred city of Assisi, the heart of Franciscan spirituality. Guided by esteemed pilgrimage leaders Jean François Godet-Calogeras and Debi Haug, this immersive journey invites you to walk in the footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare—exploring the places they loved, the prayers they cherished, and the legacy they left behind.
From the Franciscan Family
Franciscan Action Network’s 2025 Leadership Conference
Discover the Power of Franciscan Community & Civic Engagement! Join Franciscan hearted people from across the country this October 18-20, 2025 in Washington, D.C. for the 2025 Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference: Love in Action.
Together, we will learn, grow, and connect, empowered to make an impact in our communities and beyond. This transformative event is brought to you by the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) and the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU). This transformative event is brought to you by the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) and the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU). Rooted in the Franciscan tradition, we will amplify our collective voices on pressing national and global issues.
Register HERE.
Franciscan Central Archive Spring Newsletter
Call for Papers
“Life and Love Transfigured: Exploring New Horizons in the Franciscan Tradition”: A Conference to Mark the 800th Anniversary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi
The conference will be held in Durham University, UK, and will have three main strands: (1) Franciscan theology and philosophy; (2) Franciscan history; and (3) Franciscan spirituality, aesthetics, and evangelism. The conference organizers welcome papers from researchers in fields including, but not limited to, Franciscan theology, Franciscan history, Franciscan science, Franciscan literary studies, Franciscan philosophy, Franciscan spirituality, the Poor Clare and wider female Franciscan traditions, the Franciscan Tertiary tradition, Franciscan ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, Franciscan art, poetry, and music, Franciscan education, Franciscan liturgical thought and practice, Franciscan economic and political philosophy, as well as Franciscan ministry and Franciscan contributions to peace studies, outreach, and pastoral-social work.
We invite proposals for 20-minute papers. Panel proposals consisting of three speakers are also encouraged. We also invite proposals for 90-minute workshops offering a space for delegates to come together to discuss issues or subjects important to Franciscans, e.g. ministry, outreach, issues relation to community life, the Franciscan voice in the church, etc. Please submit proposals for papers or workshops (c. 200 words) via the form by 30 October 2025 at the latest. Contact for any queries: Dr William Crozier – william.e.crozier@durham.ac.uk.
New Opportunity-Deadline Approaching
Join Dr. Timothy Johnson for The Playground’s Franciscan Spirituality: A Rule of Life cohort, where you’ll craft a Rule of Life that sustains both personal and communal flourishing. This low-cost ($1,000!) immersive experience for ministry leaders includes hybrid learning and a pilgrimage to Italy, walking in the footsteps of St. Francis.
Applications close July 1
Learn more & apply: www.flagler.edu/playground
Franciscan Thoughts…
Tending the Flame: Balancing Advocacy and Inner Renewal
Join Carolyn Townes, OFS, as she shared a meditation on Advocacy and Inner Renewal with our JPIC Commission this past May.
We are grateful all your support through your membership dues. If you would like to further support our ministry, please be generous and donate here, every dollar helps. Your generosity will help us create programs and resources for our Franciscan family.
This newsletter will help us be informed
I tried to register for the town hall in August and the registration for the pilgrimage came up. Can you fix this please and let me know when I can register for the town hall.
Thank you so much
Donna, ssj-tosf
Hi Donna—
Here is the link to register for the Town Hall: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OLwCNN_oS2KVkbGN_HpQvg