Skip to content

Franciscan Intellectual Tradition

Custodians of the Tradition: Give an Account of the Hope That Is Within You

Br. Bill Short offers a few areas in which our Franciscan tradition offers the possibility of speaking a “new” language in today’s Church and society. Like the White Mountain Apaches, we face the erosion of our Franciscan culture and language today. We experience the pressure of the surrounding society, both civil and ecclesiastical, that most often speaks a dominant language that we slowly internalize. We may be the last speakers of the Franciscan language. Continue Reading Custodians of the Tradition: Give an Account of the Hope That Is Within You

Custodians of the Tradition: Francis of Assisi – Return to the Gospel

Eloi Leclerc, in his book Francis of Assisi: Return to the Gospel, describes the historical period into which Francis was born as one in which humanity, coping with complex changes, had become forgetful of its covenant with God. He describes Francis’ ability to discern these critical changes through the lens of the Gospel and call people to required conversion as his unique contribution to history. Leclerc reminds us that this gift today — eight centuries later — “still possesses a potential for renewal and rejuvenation.” Can the vibrant creativity with which Francis lived his original evangelical experience — his radical walking in the footprints of Jesus — be retrieved today? Continue Reading Custodians of the Tradition: Francis of Assisi – Return to the Gospel

Custodians of the Tradition: The Spirituality of Francis of Assisi

This biography presents Francis not as charismatic or as a man of the rule, but focused on his own times and in his relationship with his brothers. We have here a synthesis of spirituality revealing an entire life experience. How does one begin to describe the spirituality of the Poverello, a man who has touched the lives of people for over eight centuries? Decades later the question is still being debated as reflections and discussion of the uniqueness of Francis’ spirituality gain importance. Continue Reading Custodians of the Tradition: The Spirituality of Francis of Assisi

Advent Resources from CFIT

The Commission on the Franciscan Intellectual-Spiritual Tradition (CFIT) has provided the Franciscan world with a Franciscan Advent Series. This collection of videos includes Jack Clark Robinson, OFM, reflecting on creation, the incarnation and the Immaculate Conception; Keith Douglass Warner, OFM, discussing a Franciscan model of intercultural evangelization; and Dr. Darleen Pryds exploring Francis and Greccio. Continue Reading Advent Resources from CFIT

Program Invitation: The Grace of Greccio: 800 Years of Tradition

Central to Franciscan spirituality is the Incarnation—the union of divinity and humanity in the person of Jesus. In his lifetime, Francis of Assisi wanted nothing more than to emulate the life of Christ and celebrate his momentous birth. So, in 1223, he and the townspeople of Greccio, a commune in central Italy, got to… Continue Reading Program Invitation: The Grace of Greccio: 800 Years of Tradition

Franciscan Media Offers an Advent Reflection Booklet with Clare of Assisi

Pray through the joyful season of Advent with Saint Clare of Assisi! This compact booklet is perfect for slipping into a pocket, wallet, or purse, to take the inspiring words of St. Clare with you throughout Advent. It contains reflections, quotes from Clare and those who knew her, and prayers… Continue Reading Franciscan Media Offers an Advent Reflection Booklet with Clare of Assisi

CELEBRATING LIFE: THE RULE AND CHRISTMAS AT GRECCIO (1223-2023) MARTÍN CARBAJO-NÚÑEZ

This book is intended as a contribution to the celebration, in 2023, of the eighth centenary of two important events for the Franciscan family: the confirmation of the Later Rule (Regula bullata) by Pope Honorius III, on Nov. 29, 1223, and the celebration of Christmas at Greccio, just a month… Continue Reading CELEBRATING LIFE: THE RULE AND CHRISTMAS AT GRECCIO (1223-2023) MARTÍN CARBAJO-NÚÑEZ

Quarterly Journal of Franciscan Culture focused on Greccio

This issue of Spirit+Life is dedicated to the great mystery of our salvation, which Francis lived in a tangible form during the Christmas celebration in Greccio, where the town of Bethlehem (the house of bread), was rendered visible in the Bread of Life, the Word made flesh, in the manger. Francis contemplated the Nativity of Christ and lived the experience of poverty and humility of the Incarnation. Greccio became a new Bethlehem. Continue Reading Quarterly Journal of Franciscan Culture focused on Greccio

Spirituality in the Time of Climate Crisis: Leadership, Ethics, and Laudato Si

Desiring to deepen your understanding and leadership skills during this time of Climate Crisis? This course, taught by Franciscan Friar Keith Douglas Warner, OFM and TA Edgar Kelly Garcia, from the Franciscan School of Theology, will help you reimagine ethics and spirituality in service of social transformation. Take this class… Continue Reading Spirituality in the Time of Climate Crisis: Leadership, Ethics, and Laudato Si