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

    23H AGO

    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

    1h 24m
  2. Greg Friedman — A Poet's Approach to the Canticle of the Creatures

    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

    1h 12m
  3. Eunice Park — A 50-Month Journey Into Franciscan Poverty

    MAR 27

    Eunice Park — A 50-Month Journey Into Franciscan Poverty

    There’s a line from a John O’Donahue poem that goes like this: “I would love to live like the river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.” What does it look like to be that free? To release the grip of control and trust in life’s unfolding? In this episode, Eunice Park embodies that river-like freedom in a radical way. For 50 months—over four years—she lived an itinerant, “wonky” life, moving every few days from convents and friaries to friends’ homes, often living out of a single bag with no fixed itinerary. Triggered by the loss of her father, a layoff during COVID, and a deep desire for rest and healing, Eunice stepped into a modern Franciscan journey that echoes the early days of Francis and his companions. Now back in one place and recalibrating to “normal” life, Eunice reflects on the profound lessons from her time on the road: the healing power of Franciscan spirituality in addressing guilt and shame cultures, the liberation found in the Franciscan emphasis on the Incarnation as an act of divine love rather than primarily a response to sin, and the surprising freedom that comes from embracing poverty of control. Through candid stories of convent beds, late-night kitchen raids, deep conversations with old ministry friends, and learning to receive hospitality, Eunice explores what it truly means to let ourselves be loved, to see ourselves as “pockets of joy” for others, and to practice openness in daily life. She shares how this journey revealed her own resiliency and tenacity while challenging her to release transactional mindsets and embrace mutuality in relationships. Whether you’re drawn to Franciscan theology, navigating ministry burnout, wrestling with self-worth, or simply longing for greater freedom and presence, this conversation offers rich wisdom on building community, choosing what we tether ourselves to, and living with open hands in a world that prizes control. Eunice J. Park is a spiritual life coach, retreat facilitator, multilingual kimchi maker, cultural critic, spiritual accompanist, cook, writer, crafter, musician, editor, hot-sauce brewer, and dinner party comic. Above all, she is a follower of Francis and Clare. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:02:02) Background (00:10:47) Itinerancy's Call and Struggles in Ministry (00:27:00) Reflection No. 1: Interrupting Patterns of the Heart and Mind (00:29:54) Gifts of Itinerancy (00:35:47) Understanding Franciscan Poverty (00:38:44) Theology of Worthiness (00:42:55) Reflection No. 2: Poverty of Control (00:45:38) The Joy of Receiving and Community Building (00:49:08) Allowing Oneself to be Loved (01:02:17) Reflection No. 3: 'You Are a Little Pocket of Joy for Someone Else' (01:04:44) Moving Beyond Transaction, Living Freely, and Knowing Yourself (01:11:38) 'Is this Building Community?' (01:14:45) Conclusion

    1h 16m
  4. Suzanne Susany — Are We Losing the Soul of America?

    MAR 13

    Suzanne Susany — Are We Losing the Soul of America?

    One of the issues that has dominated the headlines in the United States is immigration and this administration’s approach to deportation. How do our Christian and Franciscan values serve as a guiding light in an issue that is complex and nuanced, yet at the same time crystal clear when it comes to human dignity and the importance of serving the margins? This episode's guest, Sister Suzanne Susany, OSF, of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, is an immigration lawyer who lives and works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After a number of twists and turns in her career, Sister Suzanne attained a degree in law from Duquesne University in 2010. Sister Suzanne is on the front lines of immigration and deals first hand with migrants seeking refuge in the United States. In this candid conversation, Sister Suzanne shares her experiences as an immigration lawyer and the challenges she has faced the last two years. She shares how her Franciscan values animate her work and invites listeners to recover the soul of America as we approach its 250th birthday. The show notes are available here. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:04:33) Sister Suzanne's Franciscan and Legal Background (00:11:39) Why Become an Immigration Attorney? (00:13:53) If Our Immigration System had a Franciscan Heart (00:19:46) Reflection No. 1: What is the Common Good? (00:22:11) The Danger of Labeling (00:28:13) Stories of Immigrants (00:39:51) Reflection No. 2: Story as Spiritual Encounter (00:43:21) Unprecedented Shifts in Immigration Law (00:53:56) 2025: The Most Trying Year as an Immigration Attorney (00:57:09) Why is this Happening? (00:59:38) Reflection No. 3: America at 250 (01:03:16) ICE and Recovering the Soul of America (01:11:09) Responding to Opposing Arguments (01:19:17) What is Wrong with This Picture? (01:23:39) America at 250 and the Brilliance of the Founding Fathers (01:28:59) Looking Forward (01:31:57) Conclusion

    1h 33m
  5. Murray Bodo — Brother Wind and Air

    FEB 27

    Murray Bodo — Brother Wind and Air

    Murray Bodo, OFM, is a Franciscan priest and an award-winning author of numerous books, including the bestselling, Francis: The Journey and the Dream. He has had poems, stories and articles published in magazines and literary journals in the United States, England, and Ireland. A founding staff member of Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, he led yearly pilgrimages to Assisi, Italy for over 40 years before retiring in 2020. Father Murray recently wrote his 12th book of poetry, Brother Wind and Air: A Lifetime in Verse, which is the focus of this episode. This interview was recorded last April when this book was originally released, but when Franciscan Media discontinued its book line, people were no longer able to find the book and order it. That is, until now. The book can now be ordered exclusively through Ascension Press’s website. The themes of wind and air permeate this work, as Father Murray likens them to the divine breath that animates us all. No title could be more fitting, for Father Murray has spent a lifetime turning “momentary stays” into verse, breathing life into all who read. The show notes are available here. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:02:46) Why Write this Book? (00:06:34) Poem No. 1: "Fountain Pen" (00:12:52) Poetry as a Journey Into God (00:17:34) Poem No. 2: "Thin Air" (00:25:32) Poem No. 3: "Why I Write" (00:32:43) Poem. No. 4: "Thunder and Rain" (00:42:30) Poem No. 5: "Playing at Solar Eclipse" (00:51:42) Poem No. 6 "An Illuminated Miniature" (00:56:41) Poem No. 7 "Snow, Christmas Morning" (01:08:37) Poem No. 8 "When We Were Meteors" (01:11:11) Conclusion

    1h 13m
  6. Cyprian Consiglio — A Life in Dialogue: Listening, Common Ground, and Bad Bunny

    FEB 13

    Cyprian Consiglio — A Life in Dialogue: Listening, Common Ground, and Bad Bunny

    What does it mean to live a life of true dialogue—not just talking, but deeply listening to the world, to other traditions, and even to unexpected voices like Bad Bunny? In this rich, free-flowing conversation, Father Cyprian Consiglio, OSB Cam., a Camaldolese Benedictine monk, musician, and current Secretary General of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue in Rome, discusses themes from his new book, Epiphanies of Nature and Grace: Twelve Meditations from a Life in Dialogue. Father Cyprian explores: How a chance encounter with Bede Griffiths decades ago sparked a lifelong journey into universal wisdom and interreligious encounter.Why real dialogue isn't two monologues crossing, but a humble openness to receive truth, beauty, and goodness wherever they appear—from ancient Taoist texts to modern pop spectacles.A theology of the Word (Logos) that bridges Christianity with other traditions, seeing manifestations of the divine in nature, culture, consciousness, and even the evolving spectrum of the human psyche.How grace builds on (but never destroys) nature, challenging rigid monocultures in religion, politics, and identity.The urgent call today: evolving our consciousness through contemplative practice to heal divisions, embrace diversity, and return to the sources so we can move forward together. The show notes are available here. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:02:39) Religious Order and Background (00:04:42) What is Dialogue? (00:08:45) Listening and Receptivity (00:15:56) Reflection No. 1: Open to Receive (00:18:22) Encountering Father Bede Griffiths: Universal Wisdom (00:26:19) Father Bede's Lasting Impact: Body, Soul, Spirit (00:33:47) A Theology of the Word (00:41:44) Truth, Beauty, and Goodness: Reverse Evangelization (00:48:42) Reflection No. 2: The Wealth of Nations (00:52:05) Bad Bunny, Inculturation, and Echo Chambers in Politics Today (01:01:44) Reflection No. 3: Bad Bunny and Unitive Consciousness (01:05:24) Call to Action: Evolving our Consciousness, Going Back to the Sources (01:11:02) May We Be Stonecutters (01:12:50) Conclusion

    1h 14m
  7. James Martin — Work in Progress

    JAN 30

    James Martin — Work in Progress

    Have you ever looked back on your adolescent and young adult years and wondered how those experiences formed your personality, conscience, ambitions, desires, and even insecurities? What did your ordinary jobs throughout these formative years teach you about yourself, God, and the world you were stepping into? As you stepped into young adulthood, what did you learn about the cruelty and goodness of the world? About being mean or kind? About who you wanted to become? In this episode, Fr. James Martin, SJ — Jesuit priest, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most relatable voices in contemporary spirituality — sits down for a heartfelt, often hilarious, conversation about his new memoir, Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool, and Priest. Rev. James Martin is the founder of Outreach, editor at large of America Magazine, and host of The Spiritual Life Podcast. Fr. Jim is also the chaplain of Stephen Colbert's The Colbert Report and is a frequent commentator for major news outlets, including CNN, NPR, and The New York Times. Whether you’re spiritually curious, wrestling with your own calling, longing to understand yourself more deeply, or just craving a reminder that your story matters, this episode is for you. God meets us exactly where we are—flawed, funny, and still very much a work in progress. The show notes are available here. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:03:16) Why Write This Book? (00:04:58) Learning from the Past (00:11:38) Reflection No. 1: How Memories Can Become Our Teacher (00:16:17) Developing the Superpower of Not Caring What Others Think (00:20:05) The Spiritual Practice of Memoir (00:22:11) Navigating Guilt and Shame, Embracing Our Humanity (00:26:41) The Connection Between Kindness and Being Comfortable in One's Own Skin (00:29:16) Turning Point: Losing His Best Friend (00:33:35) The Gift of Friendship (00:36:06) Memoir as Spiritual Practice: Cultivating Gratitude (00:38:55) What Does it Mean to Be Yourself? (00:43:55) Reflection No. 2: Mining Desire and Discovering the True Self (00:46:15) Finding One's Vocation (00:53:00) The Book's Impact and Golf Stories (00:57:51) Kindness and Working at the Ice Cream Inn (00:59:58) Reflection No. 3: Kindness is Everything (01:02:10) Kindness and Closing Thoughts (01:05:27) Conclusion

    1h 6m
  8. Mary Beth Ingham — John Duns Scotus: Four Theological Insights that Change Everything

    JAN 16

    Mary Beth Ingham — John Duns Scotus: Four Theological Insights that Change Everything

    What if the Incarnation wasn’t primarily about fixing our sin but about God’s extravagant desire to become one with all creation? What if beauty isn’t just something we admire—it’s the heartbeat of reality, calling us to slow down, receive gifts, and respond with hope in a fractured world? Franciscan friar and philosopher Blessed John Duns Scotus (1265/66-1308), known as the “Subtle Doctor,” is one of the most underappreciated major theologians throughout Church history. His complexity also makes him one of the most misunderstood. Scholars like Dr. Mary Beth Ingham have helped make his theology accessible to people all around the world. This episode explores four important theological insights from Scotus that can impact our approach to life and faith today: Scotus’s mystical vision of beauty as a transformative encounter with God’s abundant love (and why it’s a lifeline in our attention-overloaded, reactive culture).His profound take on free choice and thoughtful self-restraint—rooted in our innate dignity and perfect for today’s conversations on sustainability, poverty, and genuine freedom.The revolutionary Franciscan view of the Incarnation (the absolute primacy of Christ)—shifting the focus from sin at the center to God’s loving initiative at the heart of everything.The wonder of haecceity (“thisness”)—the unique, unrepeatable gift of every person, rock, leaf, and moment—and how it invites us to celebrate particularity in community.Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ, is Professor Emerita in Loyola Marymount University’s philosophy department and is a former professor of philosophical theology at the Franciscan School of Theology. She holds a doctorate in medieval philosophy from the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) and has published widely on the thought of Blessed John Duns Scotus. Her recent publications include: Scotus for Dunces: An Introduction to the Subtle Doctor (2003), Rejoicing in the Works of the Lord: Beauty in the Franciscan Tradition (2009), and The Harmony of Goodness: Mutuality and Moral Living in John Duns Scotus (2012). In her current research, she argues that the spirituality of beauty is at the heart of the Franciscan intellectual tradition. The show notes are available here. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:05:58) Who was Blessed John Duns Scotus? (00:16:37) First Insight: Mystical Vision of Beauty (00:30:09) First Reflection: Beauty and the Beholder (00:31:55) Second Insight: Free Choice and Thoughtful Self-Restraint (00:47:28) Second Reflection: Covenant as a Pathway to Freedom (00:49:10) Third Insight: A Franciscan Approach to the Incarnation (01:04:59) Third Reflection: Psychological Implications of the Incarnation (01:07:29) Fourth Insight: Haecceity (Thinness) (01:13:04) Fourth Reflection: The Sound of the Genuine (01:15:26) Final Thoughts (01:18:17) Conclusion

    1h 19m
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4.9
out of 5
16 Ratings

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
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Franciscan Media 2024
  • Show Website
    Franciscan Spirit

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