Franciscan Federation

07/08/2026

We’re happy to share that four new leaders have joined the Franciscan Federation Board: Colleen Fulkerson, MA; Daniel P. Horan, PhD; Sr. Deborah Lockwood, OSF; and Jeffrey M. Papia, MBA, MTS. Each brings strong experience, a deep commitment to Franciscan life, and a spirit of service that will support the Federation’s work in the years ahead.

Meet them here: https://franfed.org/2026/08/06/welcoming-our-new-board-members/

06/08/2026

Sr. Joan Brown, member of our IEJSN Network, is leading this upcoming webinar with the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) on her recent journey to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Details below. Hope to see you there!

06/08/2026

Francis's meeting with the l***r is one of the early moments that opened his heart to a new way of being. Like many stories in his life, what began in fear became a moment of grace that transformed them both. It reminds us that choosing vulnerability and compassion has the power to change us from within while helping others in the process, and we never know what ripple effects that kind of love can set in motion.

In embracing the l***r in Assisi, Saint Francis encountered a singular moment of grace. In that moment he saw the face of God in a sickly stranger.

04/08/2026

October is Franciscan Month, and we're part of a team building out a full calendar of events, reflections, and digital content to help people encounter (and live into!) the Franciscan spirit. Grateful for the many organizations helping bring this initiative to life, including Secular Franciscans USA, who recently shared this piece from one of our steering committee members.

Subscribe on the Franciscan Month website for updates: https://www.franciscanmonth.org/

And follow Franciscan Month on Facebook and Instagram () so you don't miss what's coming in the next couple months!

The mission of Franciscan Month is to celebrate the 800-year charism of the Franciscan way of life, to build awareness about this way of life, and to invite and inspire people of all faiths to liv…

03/08/2026

On August 2, the Franciscan family celebrates the dedication of the chapel of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi.

For more information about this little Franciscan chapel — including how one may gain the Portiuncula plenary indulgence from 12 noon on August 1 through midnight August 2 — see our blog: https://www.franciscantradition.org/blog/feast-of-the-dedication-of-the-chapel-of-st-mary-of-the-angels-in-assisi/

Image: The Portiuncula chapel, now inside the great basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. The fresco on the exterior and the little spire were added to this simple chapel in the 19th century.

01/08/2026

Board member Darleen Pryds recently shared a presentation at the Q on the friendship between Lady Jacoba and Francis. Her article touches on that same story, including the well‑known almond cookies, and shows the deeper presence and care Jacoba offered as a lay companion.

What do cookies have to do with Franciscan spirituality? When St. Francis was on his deathbed, a seemingly simple treat brought by his good friend Lady Jacoba lifted his spirits and soothed his suffering.

31/07/2026

Julianne was recently interviewed by on the Franciscan Spirit Podcast, where they dug into something a lot of people are thinking about right now: how we build real community in a time when so much of life feels disconnected, along with a few other threads that make the conversation a really fun listen.

Click here to tune in: https://youtu.be/6igOw7oK1qE?si=fSyJh83UwYsRNjj3

While you're there, check out the rest of the Franciscan Spirit episodes. They feature thoughtful conversations with authors, artists, and educators who explore faith, spirituality, and the human experience through a Franciscan lens.

30/07/2026

We're at the Secular Franciscan Quinquennial this week! If you're here, come say hi to Julianne and our friends from the Franciscan Central Archive. We've got some goodies to share and would love to connect!

29/07/2026

You're invited to join us in The Piazza tomorrow evening for our monthly gathering. Sr. Caryn Crook will be sharing about intentional communities and why so many people today are seeking real relationships, simpler living, and a deeper connection with God.

If this kind of intentional living speaks to you, or you’d just like to learn more, come join us!

Thursday, July 30
4pm PT | 7pm ET

To join the gathering, you'll need to join The Piazza first here: https://franfed.org/welcome-to-the-piazza/

Hope to see you there!