From Darkness to Light: Our 2026 Annual Retreat
by Maryann Mueller, CSSF
From Darkness to Light: Honoring the 800th Anniversary of the Transitus of Francis is the
theme of the Commission on Member Engagement’s 3rd annual virtual retreat, commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi.
This virtual retreat will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. Eastern Time
(10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time).
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.
