What Is Franciscan Month?
In 2023, Brother Gregory Cellini of the Office of Mission, Ministry and Interfaith Dialogue at St. Francis College (Brooklyn) conceived the idea to obtain an official designation of October as Franciscan Month. His hope was that having an official designation of October as Franciscan Month would spread the Franciscan message.
To try to accomplish this, a team of approximately 20 from all parts of the country and all walks of the Franciscan Family have been assembled, including Franciscan religious from all three orders, lay people, and Secular Franciscans.
The mission of Franciscan Month 2025 is to celebrate the charism of the Franciscan way of life and provide perspective on living this way in today’s world. Its vision is for people of all ages to know October as Franciscan Month and to make the choice to live a more Franciscan way of life in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare all year around.
The Month’s theme is building a world of kinship while recognizing our connectedness within our common home—one family in solidarity and community, fraternitas, and harmony—in the spirit of Francis and Clare.
Franciscan Prayer
Dear God,
your servant, St. Francis,
showed us that material wealth
is immaterial:
We cannot carry it with us
on the journey.
Show us how to give
to those in need,
to be loving
to those who feel unloved,
and to welcome those
who feel neglected,
just as Francis did.
Amen.
Weekly Steps
WEEK 1 – IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FRANCIS AND CLARE
“The Lord revealed a greeting to me that we should say: “May the Lord give you peace.” —Thes 3:16 FA:ED 1:126
The Testament of St. Francis
DAY 1 Read about St. Francis’ early life. “Lord, what do you want me to do?”
DAY 2 Create a prayer space with images of Francis & Clare.
DAY 3 Watch Brother Sun, Sister Moon.
DAY 4 Feast of St. Francis – Blessing of Animals.
WEEK 2 – CARE FOR CREATION
“ The earth is the LORD’s and all it holds, the world and those who dwell in it.” —Psalm 24:1
DAY 5 Nature Walk: thank God aloud for each created Nature thing.
DAY 6 Recycle & reduce waste today.
DAY 7 Reflect on Canticle of Creatures by Francis.
DAY 8 Draw or photograph nature scenes & share them.
DAY 9 Pray outdoors under the stars tonight.
DAY 10 Choose vegetarian meals today.
DAY 11 Clean up a local park or parish grounds.
WEEK 3 – SERVICE AND SIMPLICITY
“Bearing in mind the example of the Lord and most high Master, she did not seek to be served, but was prepared to serve.” —CA:ED 214:21 The Form of Life of St. Clare
DAY 12 Donate gently used clothing to a shelter.
DAY 13 Simplify a part of your home today.
DAY 14 Write a thank-you note to someone who serves quietly.
DAY 15 Fast from social media to pray.
DAY 16 Volunteer at a food pantry or cook for a neighbor.
DAY 17 Pray: “Lord, make me poor in spirit.”
DAY 18 Bake bread or soup to share with someone in need.
WEEK 4 – SOLIDARITY AND RECONCILIATION
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” —Matthew 5:9
DAY 19 Pray for peace worldwide.
DAY 20 Reach out to someone you’ve disagreed with.
DAY 21 Read about Francis meeting the Sultan; discuss interfaith respect.
DAY 22 Light a candle for someone you need to forgive.
DAY 23 Buy a fair-trade product today.
DAY 24 Journal who you need to reconcile with; pray for courage.
DAY 25 Join a prayer vigil or peace walk.
WEEK 5 – CONVERSION OF HEART
“I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” —Ezekiel 36:26
DAY 26 Reflect: Where do you need conversion? Pray for grace.
DAY 27 Attend Eucharistic Adoration or silent prayer.
DAY 28 Confess a fault to God today.
DAY 29 Read Luke 15 (Lost Sheep, Coin, Son).
DAY 30 Practice humility by letting someone go first today.
DAY 31 Create a Franciscan commitment card for November.