Community News

“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 [...]

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, [...]