OSF - Young Adult Engagement

10/14/2026

Recent news of plans to livestream an ex*****on by firing squad raises deeply troubling questions.

Justice should never come at the expense of human dignity.

Today, on World Day Against the Death Penalty, we reaffirm our belief in the sacredness of every human life. We grieve for victims of violence and their loved ones, and we believe in accountability. But we also believe that taking another life is not the answer, nor should human suffering ever become a public spectacle.

In 1999, we adopted a Corporate Stand Against the Death Penalty, affirming our commitment to the sanctity of all human life and to a vision of justice rooted in mercy rather than vengeance.

More than 25 years later, that commitment remains as important as ever.

May we continue working toward a world where justice upholds human dignity, mercy guides our actions, and every life is recognized as sacred.

10/06/2026

Feeling inspired by celebrations of St. Francis Day? Keep celebrating through Franciscan month!

What could a man who lived 800 years ago possibly teach us about living in today’s world? Quite a lot, actually.

In a world that can feel divided, hurried, complicated, and loud, the example of St. Francis offers another way: live simply. Choose peace. See the dignity and goodness in others. Care for Creation. Make room for God.

Because perhaps the best way to celebrate St. Francis isn’t just to remember how he lived.

It’s to let the way he lived change the way we live.

As we begin Franciscan Month, let’s carry a little more of Francis into the world around us. Learn more at: www.franciscanmonth.org.

Peace and all good!

09/11/2026

We're all ready for tomorrow's Season of Creation prayer gathering :)

During this Season of Creation, we pause in gratitude for Sister Water—“useful, humble, precious and pure”—and for the life she brings to all creation.

If you would like to walk, pray, and give thanks for our common home together with us, join us this Saturday in Aston, PA, as we walk our motherhouse grounds, pausing along the way for Scripture, prayer, and reflection. All are welcome.

Sign up online: https://osfphila.org/events/season-of-creation/

09/03/2026

Although we are not an international congregation, we have many sisters who have served as missionaries - meet some of them in our most recent Good News!

They traveled across oceans, entered unfamiliar cultures, and went wherever the need called them. But the Sisters of St. Francis who served in missions around the world will tell you:

They received far more than they ever gave.

In the latest issue of Good News, our sisters reflect on the people they met, the relationships they formed, and the experiences that transformed not only their own lives, but the congregation they returned home to.

Their stories are filled with faith, courage, humor, challenge, and an enduring lesson: sometimes the most important thing we can offer another person is simply our presence.

Read the latest issue of Good News: https://osfphila.org/about/good-news-publication/

09/03/2026

Happy Season of Creation! If you are in the greater Philadelphia area, please join us for our Franciscan Via Creationis in Aston on 9/12!

Today begins the Season of Creation, an annual time when Christians around the world come together in prayer and action for our common home.

This year’s theme, Living Water, draws from the beautiful imagery of Ezekiel 47, where life-giving water flows from God’s sanctuary, bringing renewal and new life wherever it goes.

For Franciscans, the image feels especially fitting. St. Francis praised God for “Sister Water,” recognizing water as useful, humble, precious, and pure.

As we journey through the Season of Creation from September 1 through the Feast of St. Francis on October 4, may we give thanks for the precious gift of water—and renew our commitment to protect the Creation that depends upon it.

Join us on Saturday, September 12, as we pray a Franciscan Via Creationis—a seven-station “Way of Creation” reflecting on the mystery of Creation and our call to love and care for the earth, all creatures, and one another.

Register online: https://fscaston.org/events-retreats/512/franciscan-jubilee-celebration-season-of-creation-living-water/

08/12/2026

Belated blessings for the Feast of St. Clare!
"May the Lord be always with you and may you be always with God!"

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Clare of Assisi—a woman of remarkable courage, deep faith, and unwavering trust in God.

Born into wealth and privilege, Clare chose a radically different path. Inspired by St. Francis, she embraced a life of prayer, simplicity, and joyful dependence on God, eventually founding the community we know today as the Poor Clares.

More than 800 years later, her witness still speaks to us. Clare reminds us that strength can be quiet, simplicity can be freeing, and a life centered in God can illuminate the way for others.

As Franciscans, we give thanks today for Clare's enduring example and ask her to inspire us to live with courage, love generously, and bring the light of Christ wherever it is needed.

Happy Feast of St. Clare! May her light continue to shine through all of us.

08/10/2026

Meet our "sister sisters"

08/06/2026

I am not a golfer but I always enjoy volunteering at our annual golf tournament. Everyone has a great time, while helping support our ministries and the care of our elder sisters at Assisi House.

Who doesn't love a great day on the golf course followed by a good party?

Join us for a day of golf, camaraderie, and friendly competition—all while supporting the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.

The course will be filled with opportunities to test your luck and your skills, including the Dice Roll, Mulligans (available for purchase), the Sister Putt Challenge, Longest Drive, and Closest to the Pin.

And the fun doesn't end after the 18th hole. Stay for great food, exciting raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and our popular Ring Toss for a chance to win bottles of your favorite spirits.

Whether you're registering as an individual golfer, a foursome, or a sponsor, everything you need is available through one convenient registration link.

Gather your team, invite your friends, and register today—we can't wait to see you on September 28!

Monday, September 28
Penn Oaks Golf Club
West Chester, Pennsylvania

Register online: osfphila.org/events/golf

06/29/2026

Blessings on our new leadership team!

With grateful hearts, we are pleased to introduce the newly elected Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, chosen this week during our 2026 Congregational Chapter.

Congregational Minister: Sister Clare D’Auria, OSF (Standing, center)

Council Members, Standing: Sister Pat Hutchison, OSF, and Sister Lydia Etter, OSF; Seated: Sister Linda Sariego, OSF, and Sister Janet Thiel, OSF.

We are deeply grateful to these sisters for their generous "yes" to serving our congregation in this important ministry of leadership. As they begin this new chapter, we ask you to keep them in your prayers, that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide and strengthen them as they lead us into the future.

We look forward to sharing more about their stories and the gifts they bring to our congreation. Please join us in celebrating them and holding them in prayer as they begin this journey of leadership together. 🩷

06/29/2026

We celebrated the 40th Anniversary of our Franciscan Companions in Mission during our congregational chapter last week. Such a blessing to walk together as sisters and companions, following in the footprints of Jesus in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare, and our foundress Mother Francis!