Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis- Padre Pio Fraternity, Tagaytay City

25/01/2026

Tayo na kasama h’wag mag-alala
Sinabi ni Hesukristo:
Maglakbay, walang dala
Sinabi ni San Francisco:
Maglakbay, walang dala…

25/01/2026

January 25 | The Secular Franciscan Order gathered for its regular Meeting and Formation at the Hardin ni Padre Pio, Our, Lady of Lourdes Parish, Tagaytay City, strengthening fraternity through prayer, study, and shared commitment to Gospel living.

Bro. Mayk Ocampo, OFM Cap., also discussed The Marian Heart of St. Francis of Assisi, deepening the OFS Padre Pio Fraternity members understanding of Marian devotion in Franciscan spirituality.

20/01/2026

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒐 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔

Introduction

The San Damiano Cross is one of the most revered symbols in Franciscan spirituality and in the wider Christian tradition. It is a painted icon-cross, dating to around the 12th century, and originally hung in the small, dilapidated church of San Damiano near Assisi, Italy. This cross became central to the spiritual conversion and mission of Saint Francis of Assisi, marking a decisive moment in the history of the Church and the Franciscan movement.

More than a devotional object, the San Damiano Cross is a theological icon that visually proclaims the Paschal Mystery—the suffering, death, resurrection, and glorification of Jesus Christ.

Historical Background

The San Damiano Cross was likely painted by an Umbrian iconographer influenced by Byzantine iconographic traditions. At the time, crosses were commonly designed as visual catechesis for largely illiterate Christian communities.

According to the early Franciscan sources, in 1205–1206, while Francis was praying before this cross, he heard the voice of Christ say:

“Francis, go and repair my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.”

At first, Francis understood this command literally and began restoring the chapel of San Damiano stone by stone. Later, he realized that Christ was calling him to a spiritual renewal of the Church, a mission that would shape his entire life and charism.

Description of the Cross

The San Damiano Cross presents Christ crucified yet alive, standing upright and majestic. Unlike later Western crucifixes that emphasize suffering, this cross portrays the glorified Christ.

Christ’s eyes are open, His body is upright, and His face is serene, indicating that death has been conquered. He is clothed not with a loincloth but with a richly decorated tunic, emphasizing His royal and priestly dignity.

At the top of the cross, Christ is shown ascending into heaven, welcomed by the hand of the Father and surrounded by angels, symbolizing His glorification and resurrection.

Symbolism and Iconography

a. Christ the Victor
The central image is Christus Victor—Christ victorious over sin and death. Though crucified, He reigns as Lord. This reflects early Christian theology that views the Cross as a throne of glory, not merely an instrument of torture.

b. The Witnesses
Surrounding Christ are figures who witnessed His saving work:
• Mary, His Mother
• Saint John, the Beloved Disciple
• Mary Magdalene
• Mary, mother of James
• The Roman centurion, who confessed, “Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mk 15:39)

Their presence highlights the community dimension of salvation and the Church as a believing and witnessing body.

c. The Hidden Figures
Near the right shoulder of Christ is a small figure interpreted as Longinus, the soldier who pierced Christ’s side. Nearby appears a rooster, recalling Peter’s denial and the call to repentance and mercy.

d. The Lamb
At the base of the cross is the image of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), symbolizing Christ’s sacrificial death and victory. The lamb stands triumphant, reinforcing the theme of redemption.

Theological Meaning

The San Damiano Cross expresses a Franciscan theology of the Cross, where suffering is inseparable from love, and death is inseparable from resurrection.

For Saint Francis, the Cross revealed:
• God’s humility, choosing to suffer for love
• God’s closeness to the poor and suffering
• A call to conversion, poverty, and service

Francis did not see the Cross as despair but as the supreme sign of divine love, leading to joy, gratitude, and mission.

The Cross and Franciscan Spirituality

The San Damiano Cross became a mirror of Francis’ life:
• His embrace of poverty reflects Christ stripped on the Cross
• His obedience mirrors Christ’s total surrender to the Father
• His love for the Church arises from Christ’s call to repair His house

For Franciscans—friars, sisters, and Secular Franciscans—the cross remains a daily reminder of vocation: to live the Gospel simply, rebuild the Church through holiness of life, and proclaim peace.

Role in the Church Today

Today, the original San Damiano Cross is preserved in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi, venerated by pilgrims from around the world. Copies of the cross are prominently displayed in Franciscan communities, homes, and chapels.

It continues to serve as:
• A tool for contemplative prayer
• A source of formation and catechesis
• A prophetic call to renew the Church through humility and love

Conclusion

The San Damiano Cross is not merely an artistic masterpiece; it is a living proclamation of the Gospel. Through it, Christ speaks, calls, and sends His people—just as He did Saint Francis.

It invites every Christian to stand before the Crucified and Risen Lord, to listen attentively, and to respond generously to His enduring command:

“𝐆𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞.”

17/01/2026

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙘𝙞𝙤 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚: “𝙁𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙪𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝, 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙅𝙤𝙮”

The Greccio Experience Celebration draws its inspiration from the historic event of Greccio (1223), where St. Francis of Assisi sought to make visible the humility and love of God in the Incarnation. More than a remembrance of the first Nativity reenactment, Greccio has become a living Franciscan tradition—an experience of faith that calls Franciscans to contemplate Christ and to translate contemplation into concrete life and mission.

The 2026 theme, “Franciscans United in the Pursuit of Truth, Justice, Peace, and Joy,” highlights essential dimensions of Franciscan spirituality that remain deeply relevant to the Church and the world today.

United as Franciscans

Unity stands at the heart of the Franciscan charism. Rooted in the Gospel, Franciscan unity transcends distinctions of Order, vocation, culture, and ministry. Whether friars, sisters, or secular Franciscans, all share one common calling: to follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis.
This unity is not merely organizational, but spiritual and fraternal—a communion expressed in mutual respect, shared mission, and collective witness within the Church and society.

The Pursuit of Truth

For Franciscans, truth is ultimately Christ Himself, “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (Jn 14:6). The Franciscan pursuit of truth is marked by humility, contemplation, and fidelity to the Gospel.
It involves listening—to God’s Word, to the Church, and to the cries of the poor and of creation. Truth, in the Franciscan understanding, is not imposed but lived, witnessed through simplicity, integrity of life, and coherent action.

Commitment to Justice

Justice in the Franciscan tradition flows naturally from love of neighbor, especially the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable. Inspired by St. Francis’ embrace of poverty and solidarity with the least, Franciscans are called to challenge structures of inequality and to promote human dignity.
This commitment includes responsible stewardship of creation, advocacy for social justice, and concrete acts of charity that reflect the Gospel’s preferential love for the poor.

Builders of Peace

Peace is one of the most recognizable marks of Franciscan spirituality. The greeting “Pax et Bonum” is not merely symbolic but programmatic. True peace begins with reconciliation—with God, with others, with oneself, and with creation.
Franciscans are therefore called to be instruments of dialogue, forgiveness, and nonviolence in a world wounded by conflict, division, and injustice.

Witnesses of Joy

Franciscan joy is deeply rooted in faith and trust in God’s providence. It is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of hope. The joy that flows from Greccio is the joy of the Incarnation—God’s closeness, simplicity, and loving presence among humanity.
This joy becomes a powerful evangelizing witness, revealing a faith that is alive, hopeful, and deeply human.

Conclusion

The 2026 Greccio Experience Celebration invites Franciscans to renew their identity and mission by returning to the heart of the Franciscan vocation. United in fraternity, grounded in truth, committed to justice, devoted to peace, and radiant with joy, Franciscans are called to embody the Gospel in today’s world.

In the spirit of Greccio, this celebration is not merely commemorative but transformative—calling every Franciscan to make Christ present once more, not in a manger, but in daily life, service, and witness.

17/01/2026

12/01/2026

POPE LEO DECLARES JUBILEE OF SAINT FRANCIS WITH PLENARY INDULGENCE

To mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi (October 3, 1226), the Church has proclaimed a Special Year of Saint Francis from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027.

This Jubilee Year continues the grace of the recently concluded Ordinary Jubilee and invites all the faithful to live as pilgrims of hope, inspired by the life of Saint Francis—his humility, poverty, mercy, and love for Christ and peace.

During the Jubilee, the Apostolic Penitentiary, by the will of the Holy Father, grants a Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions: sacramental confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. This indulgence may also be offered for the souls in Purgatory.

The Plenary Indulgence is granted to members of the Franciscan Family and all the faithful who take part in the Jubilee by visiting a Franciscan church or any place connected to Saint Francis anywhere in the world, spending time in prayer or reflection, and praying for charity, harmony, and peace among peoples. The prayers conclude with the Our Father, the Creed, and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare, and all the Saints of the Franciscan Family.

The elderly, the sick, those confined to their homes, and caregivers may also receive the Plenary Indulgence by spiritually joining the Jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers and sufferings to God, intending to fulfill the usual conditions when possible.

This Jubilee of Saint Francis is a time of grace, calling all Christians to grow in holiness, mercy, and peace by following the Gospel way lived by the Poverello of Assisi.

04/01/2026

𝓘𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓰𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝔀𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓲𝓿𝓮

“It is in giving that we receive.” Guided by the Franciscan spirit of charity, the OFS Tagaytay City extended loving service to our brothers and sisters in need in Barangay San Jose, Tagaytay City by providing groceries and solar lights.

This apostolate reflects the Franciscan call to live the Gospel through concrete acts of love, recognizing Christ in the poor and responding to their needs with compassion and solidarity. In sharing food and light, the fraternity not only offered material assistance but also brought hope, dignity, and encouragement to the community.

Through this simple yet meaningful service, OFS Tagaytay City bore witness that true joy is found in self-giving love and faithful service to others.

30/12/2025

𝟏𝟐 𝓕𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓲𝓼𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓟𝓻𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓻𝓼
Rooted in the Spirit of St. Francis of Assisi

1. Joy
May the joy of the Gospel fill our hearts, even in trials, as we follow Christ in simplicity. (Nehemiah 8:10 | Admonition 21)

2. Faith
Lord, increase our faith, that we may trust You completely, as Francis trusted You when he left everything. (Matthew 6:33 | Testament of St. Francis)

3. Poverty
Teach us holy poverty, that we may depend on You alone and not on the riches of this world. (Matthew 5:3 | Rule of 1223, Chapter VI)

4. Humility
Grant us humility of heart, to walk lowly with Christ who made Himself poor for our sake. (Philippians 2:6–8 | Letter to All the Faithful)

5. Peace
Lord, make us instruments of Your peace in a wounded world. (John 14:27 | Franciscan Greeting: “The Lord give you peace”)

6. Obedience
Help us to listen attentively to Your will and to follow it with love. (Luke 1:38 | Admonition 3)

7. Fraternity
May we live as brothers and sisters, embracing one another as gifts from You. (Psalm 133:1 | Rule of 1223, Chapter VI)

8. Simplicity
Free us from excess, Lord, and teach us to rejoice in little things. (Luke 12:15 | Life of St. Francis)

9. Love of Creation
Open our eyes to see all creation as brother and sister, praising You together. (Psalm 148 | Canticle of the Creatures)

10. Mercy
Teach us to be merciful as You are merciful, especially toward the poor and forgotten. (Luke 6:36 | Encounter with the L***r)

11. Mission
Send us forth to proclaim peace and repentance through our words and lives. (Matthew 28:19 | Earlier Rule, Chapter XIV)

12. Hope
Anchor our hope in the Crucified and Risen Christ, who is our true joy. (Romans 8:24 | Franciscan Passion Devotion)

AMEN
“Let us begin, brothers, for up until now we have done nothing.”
— St. Francis of Assisi