A Living History
How Franciscan Month Began
Franciscan Month was conceived in early 2023 and launched in October 2023 at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY by Brother Gregory Cellini, OSF, a Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn. In 2024, the Month's reach broadened to the Archdiocese of Newark and the Dioceses of Metuchen and Paterson in New Jersey as well as the Archdiocese of New York and Dioceses of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre in New York. In 2025, we expanded nationwide with the support of all of the Orders of the Franciscan Family. Since 2023, the Franciscan Month Team has grown to over twenty-five (25) Franciscan-hearted people of multiple faith traditions.
As 2026 is the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis in 1226, Pope Leo XIV provided a huge gift to the world by declaring a Jubilee Year of St. Francis. This year, the Month's focus is to promote the Franciscan values of simplicity, care for creation, peacemaking, the dignity and integrity of each person, and service to those who are poor, marginalized and forgotten. We aim to accomplish this by engaging Franciscan Colleges, Universities and High Schools; Franciscan and Diocesan parishes; and selected US retreat centers.
The Franciscan Month team is preparing a series of coordinated events and a large-scale digital campaign for October. Recognizing the reach and impact of digital media, our primary emphasis will be on spreading awareness of Franciscan spirituality and its values through online platforms. This includes weekly themed blogs, videos, and social media content, alongside in-person events developed in collaboration with our target communities.
Our ultimate goal is to receive from Pope Leo XIV an official Vatican designation of October as Franciscan Month and to expand the Month internationally. Please join us in becoming part of our Living History!
On his deathbed, St. Francis freed his Brothers by saying, "I have done what was mine to do, may Christ now teach you what you are to do." What Is Yours Now To Do?
St. Francis College, founded in Brooklyn in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers, has always been shaped by the conviction that education is a form of service. Small classes, a deeply diverse community, and an enduring commitment to opportunity — these are Franciscan values made concrete. Franciscan Month is for everyone, regardless of faith background.
Why October?
October was chosen as Franciscan Month because the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated on October 4. The month honors the life, spirituality, and values of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, whose teachings on peace, humility, service, and care for creation continue to inspire communities today. First launched as a 31-day observance by St. Francis College, Franciscan Month also reflects on important moments in Franciscan history, including the Transitus of St. Francis and his enduring writings such as the Canticle of the Creatures.
Franciscan Month celebrates the Franciscan way of life, educates others about this way, and offers a prayerful perspective on living Franciscan in today’s world.
“I entreat all my friars, ministers, and subjects to put away every attachment, all care and solicitude, and serve, love, honor, and adore our Lord and God with a pure heart and mind.”
