Franciscan School of Theology

10/27/2026

"Living Simply with God: Purpose and Service"

We close this month where St. Francis would have us; in simplicity, in service, and in joy. Not the simplicity of deprivation, but the freedom that comes from wanting less and loving more. What does it mean to live with purpose, and to carry that into every ordinary day of the year?

St. Francis and St. Clare lived simply and served others with much love, following Christ by finding purpose in caring for those in need and completely trusting in God. An important element of Francis and Clare's spirituality was their attitude towards ownership and possession. They rejected all forms of ownership and embraced a life of simplicity and complete poverty.

This voluntary poverty in the Franciscan tradition is a conscious choice to live without personal possessions, reflecting a deep trust in God's providence. Inspired by St. Francis and St. Clare, this practice emphasizes dependence on God for all our needs, fostering spiritual freedom and solidarity with the poor and marginalized (among whom God was in a special way to be found). It is not about destitution, but about simplifying one's life to focus on spiritual richness, service, and care for others. By embracing voluntary poverty, we seek to live out the Gospel values of humility, generosity, and compassion.

Detachment from material goods is a key component of Franciscan spirituality, encouraging individuals to let go of possessions that may interfere with their relationship with God. This practice, inspired by St. Francis promotes a focus on spiritual rather than material wealth. It might involve simplifying ones' life, reducing dependence on material comforts and fostering a spirit of generosity. By detaching from material goods, we seek to cultivate inner peace, humility and a deeper connection with God and others, especially with those in need of our love and support.

For both St. Francis and St. Clare, following Christ and living simply meant living with singleness of purpose, in union with God, with others, and all creation, with humility.

Reflection: from the Admonitions of St. Francis:

Blessed is that servant who no more exalts himself over the good the Lord says or does through him than over what He says or does through another. A person sins who wishes to receive more from his neighbor than what he wishes to give of himself to the Lord God. [XVI: The Humble Servant of God]

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor disturbance.

Where there is poverty with joy, there is neither greed nor avarice.

Where there is rest and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor restlessness.

Where there is fear of the Lord to guard an entrance, there the enemy cannot have a place to enter.

Where there is a heart full of mercy and discernment, there is neither excess nor hardness of heart. [XXVII: Virtue Puts Vice to Flight]

--St. Francis of Assisi, "The Undated Writings: The Admonitions" in Francis of Assisi: Early Documents, vol. 1, The Saint, Regis J. Armstrong, J.A. Wayne Hellmann and William M. Short, eds (New York: New City, 1999), pp. 134, 136, 137.

Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us

10/20/2026

"Living the Gospel Through Compassion"

Compassion in the Franciscan tradition is not sentimental - it is demanding, courageous, and transformative. This week we ask, how are we called to go toward what is difficult?

Saint Francis of Assisi had a fear and abhorrence of l***rs. One day, however, he met a man afflicted with leprosy while riding his horse near Assisi. Though the sight of the l***r filled him with horror and disgust, Francis got off his horse and kissed the l***r. Then the l***r put out his hand, hoping to receive something. Out of compassion, Francis gave money to the l***r.

But when Francis mounted his horse again and looked all around, he could not see the l***r anywhere. It dawned on him that it was Jesus whom had had just kissed.

Francis may have wished to pass by on the other side of the road, but God's still, small voice told him to stop, reach out and embrace the man with leprosy, Both the man with leprosy and Francis were transformed in that moment.

In his Testament, Francis wrote:

"The Lord gave me, Brother Francis, thus to begin doing penance in this way: for when I was in sin, it seemed too bitter to me to see l***rs. And the Lord Himself led me among them and I showed mercy to them. And when I left them, what had seemed bitter to me was turned into sweetness of soul and body. And afterwards, I delayed a little and left the world."

--St. Francis of Assisi, "The Testament (1226)" in Francis of Assisi: Early Documents, vol. 1, The Saint, Regis J. Armstrong, J.A. Wayne Hellmann and William J. Short, eds (New York: New City, 1999), p. 124.

Francis wanted to make sure his brothers were as open to embracing outcasts as he was. Francis was informed and fueled by the Gospels.

Reflection: There are many ways today that we can assist those whom society rejects - those with mental illness or those who just don't fit in because of lifestyle, orientation or religion. In the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, we can kiss and wash their wounds. We can offer them comfort or compassion. Or we can add to this list people who are seriously ill at home or in a hospital. The Kingdom is in our midst, but we truly appreciate it only if we walk with Jesus in his suffering and death. By embracing his way of the cross we welcome the Kingdom.

Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us

10/20/2026

On October 19, Franciscans in most of the world celebrate the memorial of St. Peter of Alcántara, a zealous reformer (in the United States his memory is kept on October 22). A Discalced (that is, barefoot) Franciscan, St. Peter is the patron saint of the Extremadura region of Spain and Brazil and also of nocturnal adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

For more information about St. Peter of Alcántara, see our post: https://www.franciscantradition.org/blog/saint-peter-of-alcantara-franciscan-reformer/

Image: Luis Tristán, San Pedro de Alcántara, 17th century, Toledo, Museo del Greco (Wikimedia Commons)

10/16/2026

"Caring for the Earth, Our Sacred Home"

Saint Francis called the sun his brother and the moon his sister. His Canticle of the Creatures is one of the earliest and most beautiful expressions of care for creation. This week we explore what it means to live in right relationship with the earth - and with each other.

Discover how Saint Francis and Saint Clare recognized all of creation as a gift from God and lived with gratitude, humility, and care for the Earth - our shared home - following the example of Jesus.

O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory and the honor and all blessing,
To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no human is worthy to mention Your name.
Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day and through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor;
and bears a likeness of You, Most High One.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
Praised be You, my Lord through Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather,
through whom You give sustenance to Your creatures.
Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Water,
who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.
Praised be You, my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night,
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You, my Lord through our Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains and governs us,
and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs.

Praised by You, my Lord through those who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.
Blessed are those who endure in peace
for by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.

Praised by You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin.
Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,
for the second death shall do them no harm.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks
and serve Him with great humility.

--St. Francis of Assisi, "The Canticle of Creatures" in Francis of Assisi: Early Documents, vol. 1, The Saint, Regis J. Armstrong, J.A. Wayne Hellmann and William J. Short, eds (New York: New City, 1999), pp. 113-114.

Stained Glass Window (photo) - Church of San Damiano, Assisi

Prayer: God of beauty and God of truth, everything in your creation is connected, for all share a common origin in your creating hand. Fill us with a spirit of praise, gratitude, wisdom, and courage, that we might care for creation and not misuse it, ensure that all its goods are shared in justice with all our brothers and sisters, and speak on its behalf whenever it is threatened. Amen

Saint Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us

10/15/2026

Watch the latest Zoom lecture on our YouTube channel!

The Franciscan Jubilee and the Pilgrimage of Our Lives
Keith Warner OFM, PhD
President of The Franciscan School of Theology

Pilgrimage is at the heart of jubilee. It is a journey along an unknown path toward a holy place, in the hope of being changed by the experience.

The Franciscan Jubilee and the Pilgrimage of Our LivesBr. Keith D...

10/12/2026

Join Us for a Virtual Information Session

Curious about studying at FST? Our virtual information sessions are a great way to learn more about our academic programs and admissions process, and to connect with our enrollment team.

💻 Register today:

Virtual Information Session . The Franciscan School of Theology (FST) is an independent, accredited institution dedicated to the Franciscan intellectual tradition.

10/09/2026

"Opening Our Hearts to God's Love"

Saint Francis' entire life was a response to being loved. This week we slow down and open ourselves - to prayer, to silence, to the experience of being known and held. The Franciscan way begins not with doing, but with receiving.

We discover how Saint Francis and Saint Clare responded to God's love by growing in forgiveness, gratitude and inner peace - following the example of Jesus.

How blest are the poor in spirit, the reign of God is theirs.

Blest too are the sorrowing,; they shall be consoled.

Blest are the lowly; they shall inherit the land.

Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness; they shall have their fill.

Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.

Blest are the single-hearted for they shall see God.

Blest too are the peacemakers; they shall be called sons and daughters of God.

Blest are those who are persecuted for holiness' sake; the reign of God is theirs.

Blest are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of me.

Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven; they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

-Matthew 5:3-12

Prayer: Lord our God, you sent your only Son to bring peace to our world. Through the intercession of Blessed Mary ever-Virgin, hear our earnest prayer; grant that our times may be tranquil, so that we may live in peace as one family, united in love for one another. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Amen.

-Collect, Masses of the BVM: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.

Saint Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us

10/06/2026

What does pilgrimage mean in your own life?

Join us Thursday, October 8, at 7 PM PT for The Franciscan Jubilee and the Pilgrimage of Our Lives, presented by Br. Keith Warner OFM, PhD, President of the Franciscan School of Theology.

📅 Thursday, October 8, 2026
⏰ 7 PM Pacific Time
💻 Join us online

We invite you to be part of this special Jubilee reflection.

10/05/2026

University of San Diego President James “Jim” T. Harris III, DEd, celebrates the partnership between FST and USD, noting that this collaboration between a theology school and a Catholic University is a national model. He honored those who conceived of this partnership, FST President Emeritus Fr. Joseph Chinnici OFM, and USD President Emerita Dr. Mary Lyons.

His remarks were shared during the inauguration of Br. Keith Douglass Warner OFM, as the tenth president of the Franciscan School of Theology.

10/04/2026

Feast of Our Holy Father Saint Francis of Assisi Founder of the Three Orders

Saint Francis was born in 1182 in Assisi. As a young man, he renounced his inheritance. When he began to live a gospel life of poverty, others joined him. The Franciscan movement developed three Orders or branches - the Order of Friars Minor, the Order of Saint Clare (Poor Clares) and the Order of the Brothers and Sisters of Penance (Third Order Regular and Secular Franciscan Order). Francis died in 1226 and this year we celebrate the 800th Anniversary of his Transitus or "passing over" from this life to eternal life.

Shining with the splendor of his life and teaching, like the morning star in the midst of clouds, by his resplendent rays he guided into the light those sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, and like the rainbow shining among the clouds of glory he made manifest in himself the sign of the Lord's covenant. He preached to people the Gospel of peace and salvation, being himself an angel of true peace. Like John the Baptist, he was destined by God to prepare in the desert a way of the highest poverty and to preach repentance by word and example.
-St. Bonaventure, The Major Legend of Saint Francis

Prayer: Almighty, eternal, just and merciful God, give us the grace to do for you alone what we know You want us to do and always to desire what pleases You. Inwardly cleansed, interiorly enlightened and inflamed by the fire of the Holy Spirit, may we be able to follow in the footprints of Your beloved Son, and, by Your grace alone, may we make our way to You, Most High, Who live and rule in perfect Trinity and simple Unity, and are glorified, God almighty, forever and ever. Amen.
-St. Francis, Letter to the Entire Order

Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us
Artwork by Ruben Ferreira