Community News

On October 30th of every year, the international congregation of the Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (known in the United States as the Wheaton Franciscans), celebrate the founding of their congregation. It was on this day in 1860 that Konrad Martin, Bishop of Paderborn, Germany, approved the Constitution of the new congregation, written by its foundress, Mother Clara Pfaender. It was not a usual occurrence to have a woman religious write the bylaws, statues, and constitution of a newly found women’s religious community in Prussia at that time. Yet, such was the relationship and [...]

“I ask everyone with political responsibility to remember two things: human dignity and the common good.” Pope Francis As a community of Franciscan hearted people, we join with others in expressing our deep concern about the state of our nation and the future of our democracy. We share the belief that we are facing one of the most consequential elections of our lifetimes in a nation that is increasingly divided. We are offering this website page as a resource for prayer and inspiration as we accept the role of compassionate, respectful, and responsible citizenship for the sake of the common [...]

Jubilee for the Earth Today we begin our annual celebration of the Season of Creation. The Season of Creation is celebrated around the world and in many faith traditions. The season begins on September 1, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and runs through October 4, the Feast of St. Francis, who is the patron saint of ecology in many traditions. The ecumenical steering committee that plans and promotes the season each year put it this way: "The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together. During the Season of Creation, [...]

It is Time: Enough is Enough “If you want peace, work for justice” Pope Paul VI The Wheaton Franciscans join our voices with those of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and other faith, civil, and business leaders in condemning the police-killing of yet one more black man on the streets of our nation. We share in the profound anger, frustration, and grief of so many African Americans and allies as we face, once again, the violent effects of systemic racism.In the National Catholic Reporter on June 3, Heidi Schlumpf wrote, “White people, let's do our homework.”  It is [...]

     Laudato Sí Week - May 16-24, 2020We’re living through history-shaping events. People everywhere are crying out for hope, and our faith is urgently needed to light the way.Laudato Sí Week honors the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home. The theme of the week is “everything is connected.” Laudato Sí teaches us how to build a better world–together. We invite you to stand with us and with our brothers and sisters in faith as we continue to grow through the crisis of this moment to build a better tomorrow for all!Join the global [...]

     This year we join in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si. Like many communities we have found alternative ways to celebrate the these milestone celebrations. On this page you will find a variety of resources to inform and inspire.The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable. The global pandemic has been a stark reminder that “we are all connected.” Together we can make a difference.Celebrate Earth Day every day -- take [...]