Brother Pat Groves O.F.M., is remembered by his brothers as a friar who followed the beat of his own drum. He was an artist, writer and musician known for his calm presence, gentle ways and dedicated service. After twenty-five years of being a friar, Pat decided to leave the friars but continued to live a […]

The mission of San Damiano Retreat is to provide a peaceful environment of natural beauty where spiritual renewal and growth may be sought by people of all faiths and backgrounds In the Spirit of St Francis and St Clare, and guided by the Franciscan traditions of joy, hospitality, compassion, peace, and simplicity. They offer contemporary, […]

This month we feature the drawings of Farit Alvare. Farit is a security guard at St. Francis Center in Los Angeles. Originally from Peru, Farit says his art reflects his mood. “If I am happy, my art reflects that.” These drawings are submissions for a mural St. Francis Center is planning. Read the interview below […]

Millennials are changing our culture in profound ways. One is their adoption and promotion of the sharing economy, sometimes described as the circular economy”. Chances are you are already participating in it. If you have used a car sharing app like Uber or a home sharing app like Airbnb, or clothes sharing service like Rent […]

Introducing St. Anthony Foundation Catholic Social Teachings remind us that, “The person is not only sacred but also social,” and that we have “a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable.” As a community, all the ministries of the Province […]

Black History Month provides another opportunity for us to understand the history, experiences, thoughts and feelings of our African American sisters and brothers. It encourages us to reflect on the past, but as importantly, on how we will participate in the creation of a more relationship-oriented and just future. Sister Irma Dillard, RSCJ is a […]

Carol Sanger Knitter and Secretary of the Board, Franciscan Renewal Center Some 60 years ago, my mother taught me to knit. I think she’d hoped it would occupy my hands which were running faster than my mouth back then. By college, I had enough basic technique to make a sweater. After dozens of sweaters, and […]

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that […]

If you are connected to social media, you are probably already aware of the “Recreate Art Challenge”. Museums everywhere are encouraging people to pick a piece of art and then recreate it using items, and with people, in their household. For example: This series caught my eye because it is done by the same woman, […]

Every morning Mark Benson gets out of bed, brushes his teeth, puts on his running shoes and heads out the door for a 3-mile run. He’s done this for years, in Chicago, New York, California. It is often the best part of his day. “I like being alone, seeing what is going on in my […]