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Save the Date! Zoom Event for the Centenary of the Canticle of the Creatures
The National Fraternity will celebrate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ creating the Canticle of the Creatures at a Zoom webinar this fall. Mark your calendars now:
Date: Sunday, October 5, 2024
Time: 3PM Eastern/2PM Central/1PM Mountain/Noon Pacific
Duration: 60-75 minutes
Our plans include a talk on the writing of the Canticle by Justin Carisio, OFS, and a panel discussion on living the Canticle. Justin is a professional writer with a particular interest in the Early Documents, especially the writings of Francis. He has collaborated with Fr. Regis Armstrong, OFM Cap.
Our panelists include current National Vice Minister Diane Menditto, current International Councilor Mary Frances Charsky, and previous Regional Vice Minister and JPIC councilor for Mother Cabrini Regional Fraternity Mike Huck.
The invitation to register for the Zoom event will be sent out about a month beforehand via our regional ministers and regional formation directors. If you would like the registration information to be sent directly to you, please go to groups.google.com and request to be added to “NAFRACentenaryContacts”. If you are already on our mailing list, you will get the information automatically.
We hope to see you there!
Vickie Klick, Chair, NAFRA Centenary Task Force
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The Franciscan Movement: January 30-31, 2026 
Pastoral Power in Action
Conference at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of
San Diego
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Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi – April 13 – 24, 2026
As pilgrims, we will traverse historical, cultural, and spiritual landscapes in which early Christianity took root. We will reflect on the growth of the early Church’s apostolic community and the Franciscan movement, pondering our role in the ongoing spiritual renewal of the Church and the urgent needs of the world. As St. Francis of Assisi said, “Let us begin again, for up to now we have done nothing.”
The first early bird discount is good through May 13, 2025. To view the pilgrimage details, visit Educational Opportunity Catholic Tours
Amy Kulesa: askulesa@gmail.com
Linda Mastro: gyplin2016@gmail.com Ready to reserve your space? Contact Educational Opportunities at 800-247-0017 or click on the registration form at Educational Opportunity Catholic Tours Enter host leader ID: 60398 and host leader name: Linda Mastro.
* OFS Fraternity FLASH Announcement **
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We wish to share an important update with you:
Due to unforeseen challenges with the venue, fees, and Italian regulations, the Chapter of Mats event in Rome, Italy (2026) has been cancelled.
But here’s another way for our Franciscan family to come together… We enthusiastically invite you to join us at the Quinquennial Congress 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky!
Let’s unite in this special gathering to share in fraternity, fellowship, warmth, and the vibrant spirit of our Secular Franciscan Order.
We look forward to celebrating together at the… Q!
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Please e-mail Bob Longo, OFS, with any concerns, updates, or ideas for this website at: blongosfo@gmail.com
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