• Franciscan School of Theology

St. Francis of Assisi invented the way we celebrate Christmas. The Stations of the Cross go back to his inspiration. Eucharistic devotions are rooted in his 13th-century writings. Prayers honoring the Virgin Mary can be traced to his inspiration.

A deep affection for Jesus in the events of His earthly life made Francis love the Gospel. Prolonged meditation on the words of Jesus bore fruit in the writings of Francis and the way that he lived. Franciscan Spirituality is the treasure we have received from this “little poor man” of Assisi.

In this series of lectures, Brother William (“Bill”) Short shares some of the treasures of Franciscan spirituality. These lectures focus on the writings and life of Francis himself, without forgetting the contributions of St. Clare of Assisi and St. Bonaventure, St. Anthony of Padua and Br. John Duns Scotus. Franciscan Spirituality is still a growing and vital world-wide religious phenomenon today, and its modern-day influence will not be neglected.

This rich spiritual tradition also poses questions that can puzzle us. The primary virtues for Francis, after charity, are humility and patience: why is that? Why does he consider joy a good defense against the devil’s influence? What led his followers to connect the Incarnation of the Word with the creation of the universe? A fresh look at the death of Jesus will show us the mystery of God’s “crucified love” for us. Careful meditation on the words of Jesus in the Gospel lead Francis to understand the “poverty of God,” revealed in the faces of the poor and in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

From its beginnings in the 13th century, the Franciscan tradition of spirituality has enriched countless men and women, laity and members of religious communities. Its influence has shaped many of the most popular Catholic devotions, like the Novena to St. Anthony and the Blessings of Animals on the Feast of St. Francis every October.

Catholics and other Christians, as well as members of other religions, have been inspired by this deep and rich spiritual teaching. Find out more about its meaning by listening to these twelve informative lectures, given in a conversational style that is easy to understand. Explore the profound and accessible Franciscan spiritual tradition; one that sees Christ at the heart of the world. This is the gift of St. Francis: it is “the treasure of a poor man.”