Franciscan Spirit

Franciscan Media

Franciscan Spirit brings listeners insightful conversations with authors, artists, and educators who explore faith, spirituality, and the human experience through a Franciscan lens. Each episode delves into thought-provoking topics, drawing inspiration from the values of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, to inspire a deeper connection with God and the world. Featuring a diverse range of guests, the podcast offers a blend of storytelling, reflection, and practical wisdom for living a life of harmony, joy, and simplicity. Visit Franciscan Media's website for the show notes and episode page.

  1. Aug 9

    Joanne Schatzlein — Sister Saints: Clare of Assisi's Letters to Agnes of Prague

    The focus of this special feast day episode is St. Clare of Assisi’s remarkable, poetic letters to another woman of nobility, St. Agnes of Prague. Guiding listeners through these four letters is Sister Joanne Schatzlein, OSF, a Franciscan scholar, co-author of a major study on Clare of Assisi, and lifelong student of her spirituality. Sister Joanne is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, whose Motherhouse is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and entered her Congregation in 1965. In this episode, Sister Joanne echoes to us Clare's invitation to Agnes: to gaze, consider, contemplate, and imitate in our lives what Christ has taught us. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:05:24) Background (00:11:21) Agnes and Clare’s Correspondence (00:21:23) First Letter: Spousal Language (00:25:26) First Letter: Absolute Poverty (00:30:27) Second Letter: Background and Introduction (00:35:12) What is Franciscan Poverty Today? (00:43:37) Second Letter: God's Poverty and Humility; Clare's Formula for Prayer (00:52:52) Third Letter: Background and Introduction (00:55:59) Third Letter: Mirror of Eternity, Stigmata, and the San Damiano Cross (00:1:04:13) Third Letter: Embracing the Poor Christ (01:09:38) Fourth Letter: The Mystical Letter (01:12:28) Fourth Letter: Mirror Metaphor; Oneness with the Suffering Christ (01:18:23) Fourth Letter: Franciscan Relationality, Follower of Francis (01:21:47) Benediction (01:23:57) Conclusion

    Joanne Schatzlein — Sister Saints: Clare of Assisi's Letters to Agnes of Prague

  2. Jul 31

    Julianne Wallace — The Piazza: Franciscan Encounter in a Disconnected Age

    In a time when loneliness and disconnection are at historic highs, how can resurrecting community help us awaken to what Thomas Merton called our “true selves”? In an age of division, how might principles from the Franciscan way help us to uncover our “original unity”? What does real, authentic, diverse community look like today? And what does Pope Leo’s new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas say about using digital tools to build a universal human family? What might a digital “piazza” offer in this technological age? This episode’s guest is Julianne Wallace, D.Min., the executive director of the Franciscan Federation and a ministry professional deeply rooted in the Franciscan tradition. Throughout her career, Julianne has worked with all branches of the Franciscan family—friars, sisters, secular Franciscans, associates, as well as serving a year with the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry—and she continues to build bridges and foster collaboration across the wider Franciscan world. The Franciscan Federation is a member organization that brings together vowed religious, secular Franciscans, associates, and all who seek to live out a Franciscan life today. The Federation also hosts the Piazza, a digital gathering place inspired by the Piazza del Comune in Assisi, where people from every Franciscan path can meet, pray, learn, and build community together. To learn more about Fran Fed, visit www.franfed.org. To join the Piazza, visit thepiazza.franfed.org. View the show notes here. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:02:33) Exploring the Franciscan Federation (00:07:06) The Piazza Project: A Digital Community (00:19:01) The True Self and the Common Good (00:27:14) Reflection No. 1: Deep Gladness and Deep Need (00:29:57) Masks and Ego (00:34:38) From Communication to Communion (00:42:39) Reflection No. 2: Moving Toward Communion (00:45:10) Echo Chambers and the Role of Community (00:55:57) Reflection No. 3: Remembering Who We Are (00:59:40) Exploring Magnifica Humanitas (1:07:03) In the Footsteps of Mary Magdalene (1:14:10) Final Thoughts and Conclusion

    Julianne Wallace — The Piazza: Franciscan Encounter in a Disconnected Age

  3. Jul 15

    Timothy Weldon — St. Bonaventure: Beauty, Light, and the Journey Into God

    In this episode celebrating the Feast Day of 13th-century Franciscan philosopher St. Bonaventure, Professor Timothy Weldon helps listeners encounter a saint whose heart-centered wisdom still speaks powerfully today. Weldon explores Bonaventure's life of humble service, brilliant leadership, and profound vision of beauty, light, and the Trinity. Dr. Weldon, a philosophy professor who has taught for 25 years at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, explores a number of topics in this episode: from Bonaventure’s deep connection to St. Francis, his beautiful Hymn to the Cross, the soul’s journey to God, and how themes of order, light, relationality, and everyday faithfulness can renew our own lives. Whether you’re Franciscan-curious or well-versed in the tradition, this episode offers both inspiration and practical invitation. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:02:05) The Life of St. Bonaventure (00:15:22) What St. Francis Lived, Bonaventure was to Think (00:24:09) Beauty's Invitation to Contemplation and Action (00:38:30) Trinity, Relationality, and Love (00:44:52) Applying Bonaventure Today in Our Lived Experience (00:55:48) Conclusion

    Timothy Weldon — St. Bonaventure: Beauty, Light, and the Journey Into God

  4. Jul 6

    Edmundo Reyes — Magnifica Humanitas: Navigating Al with Faith, Wisdom, and Franciscan Joy

    In this episode, we dive into one of the most urgent conversations of our time: faith and artificial intelligence, which Pope Leo XIV just explored in his groundbreaking encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas.” What does this new encyclical teach us about AI and what it is not? What does it teach us about how to navigate the age of AI and Robotics? How can wisdom from this encyclical help us harness AI for mission? Our guest, Edmundo Reyes, dives into all this and more in this episode of Franciscan Spirit. Edmundo Reyes is an award-winning producer and recognized leader in marketing, communications, fundraising, and public relations. His career has been dedicated to advancing evangelization through digital media, technology, and storytelling. He is the founder of Digital Continent, a Catholic media company telling stories of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful to make Christ known and loved in the digital culture. He serves as founder and executive producer of several acclaimed projects, including: Seeking Beauty with David Henrie, a new documentary series on art, culture, and faith, available on EWTN+ and EWTN.comReal+True, a digital apostolate under the patronage of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Evangelization, which unlocks the beauty and truth of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to the next generation.Based on a True Saint, a documentary series presented by The Augustine Institute that tells the stories of modern and soon-to-be saints through firsthand testimony.Revive Parishes, an online formation platform equipping parish leaders with practical tools for mission.His work has been honored with multiple regional Emmy Awards, Catholic Media Association awards, and national nominations. Previously, he served as Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Detroit, where he led one of the most innovative communications teams in the Church and was twice recognized with the Father John Catoir Evangelization Award. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:02:25) Backstory: Faith & AI Project (00:08:43) Reaction to Magnifica Humanitas (00:12:21) How Do We Approach this Technology? (00:15:35) Can AI Make Us More Human? (00:20:55) Reflection No. 1 (00:28:02) Discerning AI (00:43:22) Using AI to Slow us Down, Cause Friction, and Deepen Relationship (00:54:34) Reflection No. 2: Becoming More Human (01:00:28) Using AI For Mission, Attuning Our Hearts to Beauty (01:09:17) Reflection No. 3: Beauty (01:13:49) AI and its Impact on the Environment (01:18:55) Structural Issues and Economic Interests (01:23:39) The Desire to Be Known and Loved (01:30:51) Conclusion

    Edmundo Reyes — Magnifica Humanitas: Navigating Al with Faith, Wisdom, and Franciscan Joy

  5. Jun 19

    John Dear — Surrendering to the God of Peace: The Path of Total Nonviolence

    Longtime peace activist, priest, and author Fr. John Dear has been a leading voice for Gospel nonviolence for decades, drawing deeply from the examples of Jesus, St. Francis, Gandhi, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In this conversation, Fr. John explores the inner and outer dimensions of violence and nonviolence, the radical call to surrender our will to the God of Peace, and what it truly means to live as extensions of God’s universal love in a world on the brink. He discusses his powerful new book, "Universal Love: Surrendering to the God of Peace," along with his Gospel commentary "The Gospel of Peace." Be sure to check out John’s work at BeatitudesCenter.org and his global podcast, "The Nonviolent Jesus Podcast," available on all major platforms and featured on the front page of National Catholic Reporter. Reflection segments throughout the episode are brought to you by Ela Milewska, the Director of Evangelization at the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Show notes are available here. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:01:47) Understanding Violence and Nonviolence (00:06:29) The Inner Dimensions of Violence (00:11:05) Reflection No. 1: Violence is Forgetting Who We Are (00:14:50) Surrendering to God's Will (00:20:57) What Fr. John Learned From Archbishop Desmond Tutu (00:26:33) Reflection No. 2: Working Through Resentment (00:30:27) Not My Will, But Yours Done (00:37:37) What Fr. John Learned from Henri Nouwen (00:39:36) Political Dimensions of Nonviolence (00:50:26) Reflection No. 3: They Want Us to Be Angry (00:55:14) Historical Context of Nonviolence (00:59:12) Urgency of Nonviolence in Today's World (01:03:14) New Book: Surrendering to the God of Peace (01:11:23) Conclusion

    John Dear — Surrendering to the God of Peace: The Path of Total Nonviolence

  6. Jun 5

    Mark Soehner — Grief, Grace, and Letting Go

    This episode contains a deeply personal and moving conversation with Father Mark Soehner, a Franciscan friar whose life has been shaped by decades of living the Gospel in community, among the poor, and through profound personal trials. From his early rebellion and brief season of atheism, to discovering a God who doesn’t love us because we’re good—but makes us good because God loves us—Father Mark takes us through his journey into religious life. He shares stories of living with the homeless in Cincinnati, the healing power of brotherhood, and how the downward path of descent has continually drawn him closer to the heart of God. We also walk with him through one of life’s darkest valleys: the murder of his sister and the long road of rage, grief, and forgiveness. And in a spirit of courageous honesty, Father Mark opens up about his recent diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s—and how he is learning, even now, to entrust every detail of his life into the hands of a humble, accompanying God. This is a conversation about expanding our view of God, embracing our full humanity, and daring to bring everything—our anger, our fear, our limitations—before the One who never leaves us. Read "Becoming Church," an article Father Mark wrote in reflecting on this conversation. Show notes are available here. - - - - - - - - - - Mark Soehner, OFM, is a Franciscan friar and priest with over four decades of pastoral, formation, and leadership experience in the Order of Friars Minor. Throughout his ministry, Fr. Mark has served in diverse settings including homeless shelters (St. Vincent Hotel in Dayton and Zacchaeus Friary), campus ministry at the University of Cincinnati, and parish leadership. From 1995 to 2008 he served as Pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in Detroit, guiding the community through significant change while also maintaining a licensed professional counseling practice (M.S. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland). He has been deeply involved in Franciscan formation as a formator in Chicago and Cincinnati/Detroit, and served on the Provincial Council. In 2017 he was elected Provincial Minister of St. John the Baptist Province, and in 2023 was elected Vicar Provincial of the newly formed Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Known for his compassionate presence, commitment to those on the margins, and dedication to Franciscan life, Fr. Mark brings a wealth of wisdom, lived experience, and spiritual insight to conversations on faith, service, leadership, and community. - - - - - - - - - - (00:00:01) Introduction (00:02:48) Childhood and Spiritual Background (00:10:29) A Personal Faith: Evolving One's Godview (00:20:11) Reflection No. 1: We Are God's Beloved (00:21:39) When the Church is Alive (00:24:45) Moses and the Burning Bush (00:26:51) The Franciscan Way and the Path of Descent (00:30:50) God's Poverty and Humility (00:35:19) Reflection No. 2: The Path of Descent (00:37:39) Bringing Our Full Selves to God and Our Community (00:46:02) Being Converted by the Poor and Homeless (00:50:16) Moving through Rage, Bitterness Toward Forgiveness (00:58:27) Reflection No. 3: Being Vulnerable with God (1:00:32) An Unknown Road Ahead: A Lifestyle of Surrender (1:10:27) Trusting God's Embrace on the Path of Descent (1:13:38) Final Words (1:14:52) Conclusion

    Mark Soehner — Grief, Grace, and Letting Go

  7. May 7

    Guesnerth Josué Perea — Lectio Divina: How Sacred Reading Can Transform Our Lives

    “Lectio Divina,” which means sacred reading, is one of the most ancient contemplative practices in the Christian tradition, dating back to the Desert Fathers and Mothers, who sought renewal away from the city in open desert spaces and relied on the Word for spiritual sustenance. What does it mean to root our lives in this kind of sacred reading? How does this reading extend beyond words? As many Franciscan theologians say, Creation is God’s “first book.” The Word is alive and active in sacred texts but also in and through the world around us. If the Word, the logos, the Universal Christ, is holding all things together, then all that is good and true and beautiful is constantly rising up in our world, in our lives, in the signs of the times, in our Bibles and liturgies, to be read and received. Guesnerth Josue Perea is breaking open Lectio in a fun and unique way. Josue serves as Director of Black Lives and Contemplation for the Center for Spiritual Imagination and belongs to the Community of the Incarnation, a new monastic community which embodies and teaches engaged contemplative spirituality in response to what Father Bede Griffiths called “the universal call to contemplation.” Perea was part of the team that founded the AfroLatine Theology Project, and he was Executive Producer of the documentary "Faith in Blackness." His perspective has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times, the New Yorker, and USA Today, and his writing has been featured in Sojourners, the Los Angeles Review of Books, and numerous anthologies. A dedicated Brooklynite, he wholeheartedly believes that cultivating our inner lives through contemplative practice is instrumental for liberation, allowing us to embody Biggie's call to spread love "the Brooklyn way." Show notes are available here. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:03:10) Spiritual Background (00:15:52) How Contemplation Informs Vocation (00:20:04) What is Lectio Divina? (00:25:23) Reflection No. 1: The Simplicity of Lectio (00:29:12) What's the Point of Lectio and Contemplative Practice? (00:36:29) Howard Thurman and "The Sound of the Genuine" (00:40:55) Slowing Down and Remembering How to Read (00:45:40) Ritual and the Heart (00:48:15) Reflection No. 2: Franciscan Lectio (00:52:14) Ritual: Reading As If for the First Time (00:57:44) Hip-Hop Lectio, Kendrick, and Peeling Back Layers of Mystery (1:10:42) Reflection No. 3: Thich Nhat Hanh and the Universe Within a Sheet of Paper (01:13:45) The Power of Slowing and Reading with the Eye of the Heart (01:18:41) Final Thoughts and the Play of Lectio (01:22:45) Conclusion

    Guesnerth Josué Perea — Lectio Divina: How Sacred Reading Can Transform Our Lives

  8. Apr 17

    Greg Friedman — A Poet's Approach to the Canticle of the Creatures

    St. Francis of Assisi was many things. Peacemaker. Mystic. Contemplative. Prophet. But one of the things we seldom talk about is the fact he was a poet. His poem “Canticle of the Creatures” contains some rich theology and story but what about its beauty as a poem? What happens when we approach this iconic text not first as theologians or historians, but as poets? When we, too, slow down and name the world around us? When we, too, dare to find language for mystery? Father Greg Friedman—Franciscan friar, longtime writer, pilgrim guide, and serious poet in his own right—shares how he approached the Canticle during a 2025 retreat for the Conventual Franciscans marking its 800th anniversary: not as a scholar, but as a fellow poet who has spent years in writing communities, learning the humility of observation, the power of naming, and the way a single well-chosen word can jolt us into wonder. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:01:45) Poetry Background (00:05:14) Poetry and Spirituality (00:07:02) Beauty of Naming (00:13:46) Francis the Poet (00:17:09) Per: A Dynamic Relational Word (00:17:56) Reflection No. 1: Pathways to the Divine (00:19:53) New Names: Brother and Sister (00:25:18) Per and Multidimensional Words (00:30:48) The Poem’s Popularity and Background (00:38:01) Reflection No. 2: Surrender and Self-Emptying (00:40:46) Sister Bodily Death, the Stigmata, and Letting Go (00:53:36) Sun, Moon, Wind, Fire, Water, Earth (00:59:16) Reflection No. 3: Art and the Incarnation: Expanding Our Image of God (01:02:46) Final Thoughts and Praying with Each Element (01:11:01) Conclusion

    Greg Friedman — A Poet's Approach to the Canticle of the Creatures
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About

Franciscan Spirit brings listeners insightful conversations with authors, artists, and educators who explore faith, spirituality, and the human experience through a Franciscan lens. Each episode delves into thought-provoking topics, drawing inspiration from the values of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, to inspire a deeper connection with God and the world. Featuring a diverse range of guests, the podcast offers a blend of storytelling, reflection, and practical wisdom for living a life of harmony, joy, and simplicity. Visit Franciscan Media's website for the show notes and episode page.

Information

  • Creator
    Franciscan Media
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Franciscan Media 2024
  • Show Website
    Franciscan Spirit

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