December 2025 Newsletter

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This Sunday evening, we gather for our final Advent Vespers, a closing moment of light in this sacred season of waiting. Over these past weeks, we have reflected on the Women of Hope: women who said “yes” to God in quiet courage and steadfast faith. We began with St. Clare, whose own “yes” continues to shape our Franciscan call to live with hope. We’ve listened to Mary, who bore the Light into the world; to Rebekah, whose strength carried a promise forward; and this Sunday, we will walk with Ruth and Naomi, whose loyalty and love reveal God’s presence even in uncertainty.

Alongside these scriptural voices, four remarkable women have guided our reflections: Maggie Conley of Franciscan Mission Service, Jane DeRose-Bamman of the Secular Franciscan Order, Cecilia Flores of the Catholic Volunteer Network, and this weekend, Charlene Howard of Pax Christi USA. Each has shared her own witness of faith, women whose words remind us that hope is alive, light endures in the darkness, and peace is still possible.

As this Advent journey draws to a close, my heart is full of gratitude for the women who have led us and for each of you who have prayed, listened, and shared in this sacred space. If you haven’t yet joined us, I invite you to come this Sunday evening at 7 PM ET as we rest together in prayer and hope. Click here for the zoom link.

Peace and all good,
Julianne Wallace
Executive Director

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Reflecting on the O Antiphons
Sister Elise Saggau, OSF

On December 17, we beseech God for Wisdom, that exquisite gift that leads us into the ways of knowledge.
On December 18, we ask for the ability to respect the divine Law that saves us from moral disaster. On
December 19, we pray that the messianic descendent of the house of Jesse and David come and, as a sign of divine love, save us.
On December 20, we beg to receive the key that will open the door of the selfishness that imprisons us. On
December 21, we ask that the radiant dawn of eternal light come and illumine our natural darkness. On
December 22, we ask that the One who rules all nations come and save us who are so naturally insignificant.
On December 23, we pray the final antiphon. It is a simple appeal that Emmanuel, God’s own ambassador, come and save us.

These pleas are a recognition that, of ourselves, we are incapable of being lifted above the forces in our lives that weigh us down and defeat us. Each antiphon is a sign that we have already received into our hearts the gifts of faith and hope that make it possible for us to rise. These petitions signal that beyond the Incarnation there is a Resurrection—that God intends, for each and every one of us, a good ending to the journey of life.

It may not be our personal practice to pray the Divine Office. We may not be able to participate in the daily Eucharistic celebrations. But each of us who attends the Sunday Masses during Advent will surely sing at some point the O Antiphons as they are enshrined in a very popular Advent hymn—O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. This hymn, in its Latin version, first appeared sometime in the nineteenth century. John Mason Neale, an Anglican priest and theologian, translated it into its current, well-known version. It has since become a staple of Advent observance.

In whatever their form, the O Antiphons play a role in our preparation for Christmas. Reflecting on
them consciously during the final week of Advent, our hearts focus on the greatest Christmas gift ever
given—God-come-among-us-as-one-of-us.

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From Darkness to Light: Our 2026 Annual Retreat
Maryann Mueller, CSSF

This retreat, which welcomes all who wish to participate, invites us to engage in profound personal and communal reflection on the enduring witness of St. Francis and the illuminating light he continues to kindle in our shared mission of love, service, and outreach.

The retreat aims to create a sacred space where we can delve into what it truly means to progress
from darkness to light in our personal journeys, acknowledging the obstacles we face and the
hope that guides us.

We are honored to have the Most Reverend John Eric Stowe as our featured speaker. A
Conventual Franciscan friar and the Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington in Kentucky since 2015,
Bishop Stowe was appointed by Pope Francis and has become a prominent voice in advocating
for social justice and upholding a consistent ethic of life.

With a pastoral background spanning roles in Ohio, Texas, and Indiana, Bishop Stowe is well-
regarded for his compassionate leadership and steadfast focus on human dignity and
reconciliation. Throughout his career, he has inspired countless individuals to pursue social
equity and to seek justice in their communities, encouraging them to live out the spirit of Francis
in everyday life.

Joining him will be Katie Sullivan, the Executive Director of Franciscan Volunteer Ministry, who
brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to service. Growing up in Washington,
DC, Katie learned that service is not merely an act; she considers it is an integral part of her
family’s identity.

Her journey as a Franciscan Volunteer Minister, where she lived, served, and prayed with the
community of St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia for two years, has profoundly shaped her
understanding of community and compassion. Katie expresses her gratitude for her Franciscan
family and the blessings that come from walking alongside others in their service journeys.

This three-hour retreat promises to be a transformative opportunity to start the New Year with
Franciscan-inspired prayer and heartfelt moments of personal reflection. Participants will be
encouraged to reflect deeply on the presentations, fostering a meaningful connection to the
Franciscan spirit.

The retreat will also provide ample opportunities for both small-group conversations and large-
group discussions, fostering vibrant dialogue and community engagement among participants. We invite you to share your favorite image(s) of St. Francis by emailing memberengagement@franfed.org for inclusion in the retreat.

We hope you will join us on February 7, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. Eastern to honor the legacy of St. Francis. Through shared stories, insights, and prayers, we will walk together on this journey from darkness to light and deepen the timeless message of hope, love, peace, and inclusivity that St. Francis represents, and which is so needed in our world today.

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Year in Review

Thanks to the steady work of our commissions, volunteers, Convocation of Canonical Leaders, Associate’s Network, board members, and so many others, this snapshot reflects just some of what we moved forward together this year. Celebrating our wins of 2025 and bringing that full energy with us into 2026!

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Upcoming Events

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Announcing New Event Series:
Easter of St. Francis of Assisi

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Other Announcements

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