Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis

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 the challenges (PDF) 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 … 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   ...