The Franciscan world was saddened during this joyous season by the sudden death on December 21 of one of the major scholars of our intellectual-spiritual tradition, Fr. Michael Blastic, OFM. Fr. Michael, a much-loved friar, was Distinguished Visiting Professor of Franciscan Studies at the Franciscan School of Theology in San Diego, California.  

On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the St Francis and the "Nativity scene of Greccio", the Apostolic Penitentiary granted a plenary indulgence to all the faithful who, from 8 December 2023 to 2 February 2024, visit a Nativity scene in a church entrusted to Franciscans all over the world.

On November 29, the entire Franciscan family celebrates the 800th anniversary of the confirmation of the Rule of St. Francis.

To foster faith sharing among the Franciscan family and engagement with our Franciscan intellectual-spiritual tradition, CFIT has developed a series of short videos for use during Advent.  

This article examines the 1223 events at Greccio and brings attention to the frequently overlooked collaboration of laity and the broader participation of the natural world.

This book examines various dimensions of the original setting, passion and idealism of the founding era of the Franciscan movement.

On September 26, Franciscans remember the martyr St. Damian, patron of the small church in Assisi so central in Franciscan history, but we also celebrate St. Elzéar of Sabran (1285-1323) and his wife, Blessed Delphine of Glandèves (1284-1358), committed Secular Franciscans.

Franciscans celebrate the Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis on September 17. We have been gifted with a very insightful treatment of this event by friar historian Michael F. Cusato in his new study: Francis of Assisi: His Life, Vision and Companions (London: Reaktion Books, 2023).

This book presents four different dimensions of Franciscan practices around material possessions, with six reflections per topic.