Franciscans of Reconciliation

Everyone loves St. Francis! Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in late summer or fall, 1181, in Assisi, Italy, he was called Francesco by his father. By his radical commitment to following the Gospel, his exuberance in his relationships to everyone and everything, and the grace of God, Francis became one of the most beloved of the saints of the Church.

It is not only Catholics who are drawn to the figure of Francis. There are Anglican and Protestant Franciscan orders as well -- religious communities of men and women whose faith is nurtured and guided by the examples and teachings of both Francis and Clare of Assisi, who was his first female follower. All kinds of churches, Catholic and Protestant, hold annual "Blessing of the Animals" events near the Feast of St. Francis in October. In particular, his love for creation makes him attractive to even nonreligious people.

What do Franciscans do?

Everything! Franciscans are typically quite engaged with the world. Some do things that are identified as "church work", either as priests or as lay brothers and sisters. But others are academicians, social workers, hospice chaplains and caregivers, nurses, librarians, researchers -- the list goes on. Our emphasis on the incarnation calls us to be the presence of Christ where we are and whatever our role in society may be.

The Franciscan vocation is essentially the same as the calling of every Christian, but with a particular intensity and focus. It is not that we are better followers of Jesus than other people, but that we find it helpful to make our Christian journey in a community of brothers and sisters who encourage, strengthen, and guide one another along the way. We also benefit from our Rule, which provides a particular framework and "flavor" for our spirituality. Franciscans find particularly energy around themes of reconciliation, peace and justice work, care for the poor, and care for creation.

There are many other flavors and themes in Christianity. The history of the religious orders and other spiritual movements offers the disciples of Jesus a vast menu of choices. People are called in one direction or another according to their particular interests, temperant, gifts, circumstances, and the breath of the Spirit, who blows us where she will. For us, the Franciscan way nourishes us. Perhaps it will nourish you, as well. We invite you to explore that possibility.

As he lay dying, Francis told his brothers, “I have done what was mine to do, may Christ now teach you what you are to do.” Our prayer for you is that you will discover the best approach, Franciscan or not, to living out your own Christian commitment.