Community News

Today (September 11, 2021) is a special day of reflection, not only on the events that happened on this day 20 years ago, but on the devastating actions and reactions that have happened since then and how these choices have changed our world. We recall that for a brief time after the violent attacks of 9/11, the world was united in solidarity and empathy for the victims and for our country. But the United States chose to respond with retaliation and revenge, which led to more violence and to wars that claimed thousands of innocent victims. On [...]

A Home For AllRenewing the Beloved Community of God The Season of Creation is celebrated around the world and in many faith traditions. Pope Francis established the Season of Creation within the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar 2015. The season begins on September 1, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and runs through October 4, the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of ecology. Our theme for Season of Creation 2021 isA Home For All? Renewing the Beloved Community of God. The Earth, our common home, belongs to God, and each beloved creature belongs to this community. The Earth [...]

“for we know that things can change” (LS 13)      Laudato Sí Week - May 16-24, 2021On May 24, 2020, the fifth anniversary of the encyclical, Pope Francis announced a Special Laudato Si’ Anniversary Year from 24th May 2020 – 24th May 2021.“I invite all persons of goodwill to adhere to it, to take care of our common home and our more fragile brothers and sisters”, said the Pope.Pope Francis urges all people of good will to take urgent action against the injustice of climate change and the ecological crisis, to protect the poor, and future generations. His encyclical [...]

     When life around the world returns to normal, our world cannot return to business-as-usual. So much damage has been done, but that does not mean we have to continue that legacy. We have the ability to make a difference in every industry, but that can only happen when we work together to #RestoreOurEarth. We are excited to be part of EARTHDAY.ORG’s #RestoreOurEarth campaign for the 51st Earth Day! A more sustainable world requires efforts in every aspect of our society and that starts with YOU. Join us in the fight! Get started today by checking out the many [...]

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 [...]