This third issue of Koinonia reflects on the relationship we have with our environment. It follows the 2020 theme on great changes. Because of the times in which we live, this relationship has become a great challenge for all of humanity.   K O I N Ō N I A  _ …together on the journey … Koinonia 2020_3 Read More » ...

The summer-fall issue of Vox Franciscana is available. This issue of the international publication features: Piandarca: where Francis preached to birds. pandemic doesn’t stop Presidency business. the OFS at the Vatican. JPIC in Madagascar. the Tau – history and meaning. OFS action around the globe. ...

As a family commission we want to offer special attention to the young people who enter our Order, many of our families share the Franciscan path between fathers, mothers and children, nephews / nieces, grandchildren, so we want to dedicate this work proposal to them for to better accompany this journey of youth vocation in … Young people in our fraternities: realities, protagonism and assistance Read More » ...

On the anniversary of St Francis of Assisi’s death, Pope Francis celebrated Mass before the saint’s tomb in Assisi and signed the encyclical, “Fratelli tutti”. OFS Minister General Tibor Kauser joined the pope for the occasion at the Basilica of St. Francis, along with other members of the Franciscan Family, including friars and sisters. VATICAN … OFS Minister General Joins Pope for Signing of Encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti” Read More » ...

A call for a fundraiser for OFS members in Beirut who suffered damage due to the explosion of last August. EN Lebanon letter from minister general ...

ASSISI — The field where St. Francis preached to a flock of birds will become an outdoor sanctuary. A press conference held June 26 announced the design of the project, introduced the artist and launched a campaign to raise 120,000 euros. The miraculous preaching took place circa 1220 in Piandarca, near the community of Cannara, … Site of Francis’ Preaching to Birds to Be an Outdoor Sanctuary Read More » ...

Pope Francis will sign a new encyclical after Mass celebrated in the Basilica of St. Francis on 3 October. The ceremony will take place without the faithful present, in respect of the current health situation. By Vatican News Pope Francis will visit the Italian town of Assisi on 3 October to sign a new encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti … ‘All brothers’: Pope Francis to sign new encyclical on Oct. 3 in Assisi Read More » ...

The JPIC Commission is pleased to share the reflection, Aqua fons vitae: Orientations on Water, symbol of the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth. It was released by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, following the celebration of World Water Day 2020. This new document is rooted in the Social Teaching … Reflection on Water as Symbol of the Cry of the Poor and Cry of the Earth Read More » ...

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The latest issue of KOINÕNIA is published. Fr. Pedro Zitha, OFM, discusses “The secular franciscan and the immigrant” The KOINÕNIA theme for 2020 is: Secular Franciscans in times of great changes. ...

A booklet about the 2008 General Chapter in Hungary is now available in four languages (English, Italian, Spanish and French). The 24-page booklet by Robert and Mary Stronach offers a first-person account and reflection, along with photos, on the historic chapter, which was held in conjunction with the close of the 800th anniversary celebration of … Booklet on General Chapter Offers a Moment in OFS History Read More » ...

Mutemwa is a very special place situated in Mashonaland, in the Eastern Province of Zimbabwe where a Secular Franciscan from United Kingdom, John Bradburne, OFS, lived the last 10 years of his life, caring for the community there who were living with the devastating effects of leprosy. John was killed during the Zimbabwe independence war … Help us to drill water borehole in Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre, Zimbabwe Read More » ...

Franciscans International is cosponsoring a webinar on Monday, July 13, on the topic, “COVID-19 and the human rights of people living in poverty.” The webinar is in English and runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m. CET (Central European Time). To participate in the webinar, please register at: https://bit.ly/C19Poverty Click here for details, including speakers/panelists. (PDF) ...

MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY: THE REALITY AND CHALLENGES OBSERVE ¿WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD? The social reputation of Catholic marriages is falling. The numbers of 2018 weddings. Daily Newspaper El País. Madrid, Spain. Barely one third of weddings celebrated every year in Spain (163,430 in 2018, some 5.9% less that the previous year) are … Marriage and the family: the reality and the challenges Read More » ...

God lets us be surprised The answer we seek is in the Good News. Read Tibor’s Pentecost message   Italian: IT-Pentecoste messaggio 2020 Spanish: ES Pentecostés 2020 French: FR Pentecost message 2020 Portuguese: PT Mensagem de Pentecostes 2020 ...

Joyful news in the middle of COVID-19 crisis – water borehole sponsored by “Well4Africa” social initiative was blessed and inaugurated on May 9 in Sibi community, Ghana. A small group of community representatives took part in the celebration due to safety reasons. Sibi is a small village in the Nkwanta District in the eastern part … ‘Well4Africa’ Borehole Blessed in Ghana’s Village of Sibi Read More » ...

Pope Francis has appointed Conventual Franciscan Friar Marco Tasca as archbishop of Genoa, Italy, the Vatican announced May 8. Friar Marco, who served as minister general of the OFM Conventual friars for 12 years, has been a friend to the Secular Franciscan Order, participating in OFS general chapters. “I am a friar and I remain … Friar Marco Appointed Archbishop of Genoa Read More » ...

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the program of the Laudato Si’ Week, that will be celebrated from May 16 to May 24 and that has the Holy See sponsorship, has been revised and can be found in the website here. In summary the proposal is as follows: the world is now in crisis, and … Laudato Si Week (May 16-24) Read More » ...

“Proclaim the good news,” urges Minister General Tibor Kauser, OFS, in his Easter message to Secular Franciscans around the world. “This is one of the most joyful time of the year for us, Christians, because this is the moment to experience: life has overcome death.” Read his full message here. ...

The latest issue of Vox Franciscana (winter 2019-2020) features these stories: • First OFS-YouFra Formation School of the Southern Cone • A pastoral visitation of the Presidency • Vatican Youth Forum • Historic workshop: Spiritual Assistants • OFS and Finances • OFS action around globe • Australia newspaper spotlights OFS   ...

EN-Letter-Laudato-Si-Study-Guide (PDF) ...

MARCH 2020 — Kongo is a village community in the northeast region of Ghana with around 150 households. It is also home to a Spiritual Renewal Centre (SRC) run by Capuchin friars. SRC is comprised of the Immaculate Conception Church, a retreat centre and a Marian Grotto, making it popular pilgrimage site. Twice a year, … Water Projects to Help 2 Communities in Ghana – Kongo and Sibi Read More » ...

26 FEB. 2020 — A “Well4Africa” water project was successfully implemented in St. Lawrence of Brindis Parish, Zomba diocese, Malawi. The parish is situated in the remote area, in the outskirt of Municipality of Zomba, Malawi’s old capital city. People around the Parish are subsistence farmers. They grow maize and vegetables for their livelihood. … Project Brings Clean Water to St. Lawrence Parish in Malawi Read More » ...

The OFS emerging National Fraternity of Nigeria celebrated its National Elective Chapter on 29 February 2020. Lillian-Rita Akudolu was elected as national minister. Also elected: National Vice Minister – Gabriel John Udofia National Secretary – Appolonia Ochugnu National Treasurer – Victoria Udofia National Formator – Anne Asiegbu The newly appointed national spiritual assistant is Fr. … Nigeria Holds Elective Chapter Read More » ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Venezuela celebrated its National Elective Chapter from 28 February to 1 March 2020. Marielide De Lima was elected as National minister and as International councilor. ...

The national Fraternity of Chad has celebrated its elective Chapter. Ange-Gabriel Soulassanger has been elected national minister and international councillor. ...

The OFS National Chapter of the Emerging Fraternity of Albania has been celebrated in Bajze. Pavlin Ndreka has been elected national minister and vice minister Hana Kalj. ...

Laudato-Si-Study-Guide (PDF) ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Ivory Coast celebrated its National Elective Chapter on January 24-25, 2020. Christophe Iobognon was elected as national minister and Ludovic Dah as international councilor. ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Uruguay celebrated its National Elective Chapter on November 29 – December 1, 2019. Sergio Rodríguez was elected as national minister and as international councilor. ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Tanzania celebrated its National Elective Chapter on October 25-27, 2019. Lucy Nambuo was elected as National minister and Felix Mosha as International councilor. ...

A report by Kelly Moltzen, OFS, USA New and exciting initiatives, like the Great Green Wall across 11 African countries, were addressed at the The Laudato Si Generation Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya July 15 and 16. It focused on the role of faith and religion in the care for our common home, the role … Laudato Si Generation Conference Focuses on Care for Common Home Read More » ...

Swiss Secular Franciscan Marguerite Bays was elevated to sainthood on Oct. 13, 2019, along with four others.  A native of Siviriez in the western Swiss canton of Fribourg, Bays belonged to the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi. Born in 1815, she was a laywoman from a farming background who dedicated herself to God. She worked as a seamstress, domestic help and … Swiss Secular Franciscan Is Canonized Read More » ...

ROME — Fr. Amando Trujillo Cano, TOR, who served as general spiritual assistant for the OFS and YouFra for the past six years, was elected minister general of the Third Order Regular (TOR) on June 9, 2019. He succeeded Fr. Nicholas Polichnowski. A musician and song writer, Father Amando was known for bringing his gift … Fr. Amando Trujillo Cano Is the New TOR Minister General Read More » ...

Calling it their “Beatitudes” Chapter, Secular Franciscans in Great Britain held a Chapter of Mats June 21-23, 2019, to mark the close of the year celebrating the 40th anniversary of the OFS Rule approved by Pope Blessed Paul VI in 1978. National Minister Betsy Hart, OFS, described the chapter’s theme: “The essence of our Franciscan … Great Britain Holds ‘Beatitudes’ Chapter Read More » ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Burkina Faso in West Africa celebrated its Elective Chapter on September 7, 2019. Denis Poda was elected national minister and international councilor. ...

The National Fraternity of Cameroon celebrated its elective chapter from August 22 to 24, 2019, at the home of the Xaverian Fathers of Ngodi Bakoko in Douala. The chapter identified five priority themes to be implemented by the new council, including a commitment to form a National YouFra Fraternity. Genesis Ngwambi was re-confirmed as national … Cameroon Re-Confirms Minister Read More » ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Slovakia celebrated its Elective Chapter from August 30 to September 1, 2019. Jozef Gazdik was elected national minister and Lucia Spodniakova as international councilor. ...

The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is celebrating the 800th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Umiliana de’ Cerchi, a Franciscan tertiary who lived and died in Florence, Italy (1219-1246). She was proclaimed blessed in 1694. Festivities took place throughout 2019, thanks to the Friars Minor Conventual at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. The … 800th Anniversary of Blessed Umiliana de’ Cerchi in 2019 Read More » ...

NISIPORESTI, ROMANIA — A 22-year-old Romanian Secular Franciscan – Veronica Antal – was beatified Sept. 23, 2018 as a “martyr to chastity,” six decades after she was murdered while fighting off a would-be rapist during the Communist-era repression of the Catholic Church. Catholic News Service reported that Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Vatican Congregation … Secular Franciscan is beatified – Veronica Antal of Romania Read More » ...

The Secular Franciscan Order participated in all the preparatory phases of the beatification ceremony. For the great Franciscan family – 1,000 secular and religious — it was a moment to live fraternal joy in one communityduring three days of pilgrimage: 13, 14, 15 April 2018.  The pilgrimage began at a church near where Lucien lived … Secular Franciscan is beatified – School teacher Lucien Botovasoa of Madagascar Read More » ...

By Virginija Mickute, OFS, and Monika Midveryte, OFS MARCH 2019 — The “Well4Africa” project, flowing out of the 3rd European OFS and YouFra Congress in Lithuania last year, is moving ahead in various phases in Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe. ...