Hugoline was born into a noble family in Camerino, Italy, and lived a life of privilege. After the death of his parents, he felt called to a religious life, becoming a Franciscan Friar Minor tertiary and renouncing his wealth to help the poor. Hugoline embarked on a journey of solitude and prayer as a hermit. … December 2024: Blessed Hugolinus Magalotti (c. 1320 – 1373) Read More »...

The topic was “Work for Peace,” and Dina Shabalina, OFS, discussed it from a unique perspective – from someone in the midst of war. It wasn’t easy for her, but, as she pointed out, it’s what Franciscans do. Dina is the Presidency councillor for northern Europe. She presented Nov. 16 via Zoom because she had … WORK FOR PEACE: When the words of the Gospel make you hurt, pray Read More »...

One might say Nov. 16 was a day of peace, justice and business for the General Chapter. In addition to approving a three-year budget for the international Order, capitulars and observers heard presentations on OFS examples of answering, as Pope Francis put it, the “cry of the poor” and the “cry of the earth.” There … A day for peace Read More »...

ROME – The body of the General Chapter overwhelmingly approved a budget on Nov. 16 for the operation of the International Fraternity over the next three years. The budget includes €276,643 for 2025, €283,594 for 2026, and €290,661 for 2027. Annual contributions from national fraternities make up the majority of revenues, with the balance coming … 3-year budget approved Read More »...

Fr. Massimo Fusarelli, the minister general of the OFM friars, began his General Chapter homily Nov. 16 by thanking the Lord “for the gift of your vocation as Secular Franciscans.” The OFS is “in ordinary contact with people and situations in the world” – a calling to be “with and among people.” Friar Massimo referred … A vocation to be with and among people – an untiring prayer Read More »...