Franciscan Federation

15/06/2026

Join us tomorrow as we open this space in community — for community.

Tuesday, June 16
9am PT | 12pm ET
Online via Zoom

Register for the launch gathering: https://franfed.org/welcome-to-the-piazza/

14/06/2026

The Piazza: Who It's For

The Piazza is for anyone who feels drawn to the Franciscan spirit.
Retreatants, seekers, friars, sisters, OFS, students, ministers, collaborators, and friends. If you are looking for a place to connect and grow, you are welcome here.

It is also a place for Franciscan organizations and ministries to network, share events, collaborate on projects, and keep conversations going between gatherings.

Learn more and register for the June 16 launch: https://franfed.org/welcome-to-the-piazza/

12/06/2026

On the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus what comes to mind is the picture that was always prominent in our home and in the homes of many Catholic friends and families. It was displayed as a reminder that not only was Jesus truly divine, he was also truly human and so had a heart that experienced all the joys and sorrows, the sufferings and pain that life would bring.

The gospel of John helps us to focus on the great love that our hearts can hold. “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.”

Our God is not an abstract being. In Christ Jesus, God took on human flesh and a beating heart to show his great love for all. God’s great gift in the incarnate Christ also reminds us that, even with our human frailty, we have the potential and capacity to embody the divine. So, if God loves us, we are called to love one another. Let us pray that we and all people may turn away from the hatred, prejudice, and racism that dehumanizes and oppresses others. May our hearts grow in God’s compassion and love.

12/06/2026

Why "The Piazza"?

A piazza is a town square, a shared place at the heart of the community. Assisi has a few piazzas, each with its own character, but the Piazza del Comune (pictured here) is the one where many paths naturally meet. It is full of life and movement. You can wander into an art shop, sip an espresso and catch up with friends, pick up something you need at the pharmacy, step into a chapel for a moment of quiet, or simply be with others in the open air. People come for many different reasons and from many different directions. Creativity, nourishment, prayer, connection. The Piazza holds it all.

Our Piazza, a new online community for Franciscans, is shaped by that same spirit. Whether you are seeking companionship, formation, prayer, creativity, or inspiration, we hope you will find something that meets you where you are and supports the path you are on.

Learn more and register for the June 16 launch: https://franfed.org/welcome-to-the-piazza/

12/06/2026

Pope Leo on the distractions in our society that keep us from fixing the injustice around us

10/06/2026

This week we shared the news about the launch of a new digital space for Franciscan community. Today we want to give you a sense of what to expect once you arrive!

🌿Regular live gatherings — contemplative practices, connection circles, webinars, topical discussions, etc.

🌿Collaborative networks — places to share your work and find partners who can help move it forward

🌿Inspiration and storytelling — a space to share what’s giving you life and discover what’s inspiring others

🌿1:1 connections — reach out directly to Franciscans and Franciscan‑hearted people across the country

🌿Action and advocacy opportunities — ways to stay engaged in justice, peace, and care for creation

🌿Prayer and support — ask for prayer and accompany others in theirs

🌿Year-round connection — stay in conversation between gatherings and events

🌿Promotion of upcoming gatherings — retreats, programs, and Franciscan events in one place

🌿Dedicated group spaces — bring your existing groups into a shared space for ongoing dialogue

🌿Simple formation courses — short offerings to deepen your grounding in Franciscan spirituality

If this sparks interest or curiosity, join us for the public launch gathering on Tuesday, June 16th at 9am PT/12pm ET — and help us spread the word!

Landing page + registration information:

The Piazza is a new digital gathering place for Franciscans and anyone who feels drawn to the Franciscan way of life. Over the past year, as we’ve listened to members… Continue Reading Welcome to The Piazza

08/06/2026

People are longing for connection and community. The Piazza is a new digital gathering place for anyone drawn to the Franciscan way of life. Join us for the launch on June 16.

We will be sharing more information throughout the week so you can get a feel for what the Piazza is all about. You can also visit our landing page for details and the registration link for the public launch: https://franfed.org/welcome-to-the-piazza/

If this sounds like something a friend or someone in your community would enjoy, feel free to share this post and invite them to the launch. All are welcome!

08/06/2026

TONIGHT — June 8 at 4pm PT / 6pm CT / 7pm ET

We hope you can join us for this month's Franciscan Connection Circle. We'll begin with prayer and meditation, then reflect together on this month's theme: Grace That Moves Us Toward Each Other.

All are welcome!

👉 Register here: http://bit.ly/4xhJ3VD

03/06/2026

Pope Leo's powerful new encyclical invites each of us into a conversation about how to be most fully human in a world where AI is growing at an unchecked rate, elite and non-state actors control data, and the common good is not prioritized. Join us on Tuesday, June 9th at 7:30 pm ET for this important webinar as we consider deeper questions about our relationship with God, each other, creation, and technology. We will offer live Spanish interpretation and the recording will be shared with all who register.

Register to attend at bit.ly/MagHumWeb - you won't want to miss this one!

02/06/2026

The Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University is now welcoming registrations for the 2026 Padua Program, a year‑long formation experience for leaders in Franciscan institutions and ministries.

Padua begins with an in‑person workshop on campus July 8–11, followed by ten monthly online seminars. Participants explore the spirituality of Saints Francis and Clare and learn practical approaches to mission‑based leadership in today’s organizations. Now entering its eighth cohort, the program has supported leaders across education, health care, social services, and retreat ministry.

Cohort VIII will gather in the newly renovated Francis Hall, with housing and meals included in the registration fee.

Registration is open for the 2026 Padua Program.

Click here to learn more and register:

The Padua Program is a training program in Franciscan mission-based leadership offered by the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University.