A month to pause,walk gently, rediscover what truly matters
A month to pause,walk gently, rediscover what truly matters
A month to pause,walk gently, rediscover what truly matters
Welcome to Franciscan Month
Every October, we renew our commitment to introduce and share the Franciscan Way to a world in need of this Way of life
Who We Are and Why October Matters
Franciscan Month is rooted in the conviction that the charism of Francis and Clare speaks as clearly today as it did eight centuries ago — and that it belongs to everyone.
"Begin by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
- Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi
Mission
Franciscan Month celebrates the Franciscan way of life and invites people of all ages and faiths to discover its enduring relevance in today’s world. We are inspired by the lives and witness of St. Francis and St. Clare. Our mission is to help make October a time of prayer, learning, reflection, and action that encourages individuals, families, schools, parishes, and communities to embrace Franciscan values. We hope to inspire a way of life rooted in simplicity, compassion, and care for all of God's creation not only during October, but throughout the entire year.
At the heart of Franciscan Month is the Franciscan charism, a word that means a special spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit to the Church through St. Francis, St. Clare, and the Franciscan family. This gift calls us to build a world of kinship by recognizing our connectedness within our common home as one human family. Guided by the Franciscan spirit of fraternitas (living as brothers and sisters), solidarity, harmony, and joyful service, we seek to encourage every person to live the Gospel with love, humility, and hope, helping to build a more peaceful and compassionate world.
The Story of Francis and Clare
In the early 1200s, a young merchant's son from Assisi walked away from wealth and comfort to embrace radical simplicity. Francis gathered a small community around him, and together they lived the Gospel through service to the poor, reverence for creation, and a disarming joy. Clare of Assisi followed, founding the Order of Poor Ladies — a woman of extraordinary courage and contemplative depth.
