In this article, Father Néhémie Prybinski, OFM, shares the treasures of Franciscan spirituality and mission.
A Birth in Simplicity
Saint Francis of Assisi, born in 1181, renounced a life of wealth to embrace evangelical poverty. In 1209, he founded the Order of Friars Minor, with one rule: to live according to the Gospel, in fraternity, poverty, and peace. Clare, his spiritual sister, founded the Poor Clares shortly thereafter, a contemplative order for women.
These communities were born in a context of social and ecclesial upheaval. Their radicalism attracts; their joy disarms. Francis did not preach only through words, but through his life: he spoke to the birds, embraced lepers, and dialogued with the Sultan. He made every being an icon of Christ.
A Mission for Today
Today, Franciscans are present on every continent. Their mission remains faithful to that of Francis: living the Gospel in the heart of the world. This is reflected in:
- Proximity to the poor: in slums, reception centers, and humanitarian missions.
- Safeguarding Creation: inspired by the Canticle of the Creatures, Franciscans are often committed to integral ecology.
- Interreligious dialogue: following the example of Francis meeting Sultan Malik al-Kamil, Franciscans work for peace between peoples.
- Fraternal life: their community is founded on equality, simplicity, and shared joy.
The Canticle of the Creatures: A Cosmic Praise
Composed by Saint Francis in 1225, shortly before his death, the *Canticle of the Creatures* is one of the first poetic texts in the Italian language. It celebrates God through the elements of nature, seen as brothers and sisters.
This song is a prayer of gratitude, an invitation to contemplation and universal fraternity. It continues to inspire Franciscans today in their commitment to ecological justice and peace.
A Franciscan Breath
On October 4, 2025, the feast day of Saint Francis, Pope Leo XIV published his first apostolic exhortation, *Dilexi te* (“I have loved you”). This text, partially written by Pope Francis before his passing, places the poor at the center of Christian life.
In it, Leo XIV denounces “an economy that kills” and calls to “destroy structures of injustice through the power of good.” He follows in the Franciscan lineage, affirming that faith is inseparable from the love of the poor. This message resonates strongly in Franciscan convents, parishes, and mission sites.
In the Footsteps of Francis and Clare
For travelers in search of meaning, Assisi is much more than a historical site. It is a place for an inner encounter. Among the emblematic locations:
- The Hermitage of the Carceri: Tucked away in the woods of Mount Subasio, Francis retired here to pray. The silence here is sacred.
- The Basilica of Saint Francis: A masterpiece of medieval art, it houses the saint’s tomb and Giotto’s frescoes.
- San Damiano: It was here that Francis heard the call of Christ, and where Clare lived with her sisters.
- The Basilica of Saint Clare: The resting place of Clare, it preserves the crucifix that spoke to Francis.
2026: 800 Years of Light
A Legacy to Live
Franciscans are not the guardians of a past, but the architects of an evangelical future. Their simple life, their commitment to the poor, and their love of Creation are a prophetic response to the crises of our time.
As Dilexi te reminds us, “the Church is only credible when it draws near to those who suffer.” The Franciscans, in their joyful humility, embody this proximity.
By Father Néhémie Prybinski, OFM
N.B.: Discover our upcoming trips to Italy (click here), as well as upcoming trips accompanied by Father Néhémie (click here).
