From memory to movement: What is ours to do today?

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Dear Sisters and Brothers, 

October 3, 2026, marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.  As he lay dying, Francis stated, “I have done what is mine; may Christ teach you what is yours!”  In his prayer for this Franciscan Jubilee Year, Pope Leo reminds us that Francis is a man of peace, who called even Death his Sister, the one St. Paul had called "the last enemy" (1 Cor 15:26).  

In his last two years, Francis suffered from increasing physical illness, losing his sight and becoming too weak to walk.  There were brothers trying to steer the Order in a direction that he did not approve. Yet Francis still showed hope for the future, praying that Christ would guide the brothers after his death. He encouraged his brothers to continue singing the Canticle he had composed even as he was leaving them.   

Throughout his life, Francis experienced conversion: he survived crises and times of darkness, emerging from them with an overwhelming sense of God's mercy and love for him.  He shared the suffering of the poor and marginalized and discovered among them the sweetness of God's presence. His eyes were always on Jesus, the one who showed him God’s humble presence, even in suffering.  That Gospel-centered journey that he began continues in a movement that endures to this day.  

Francis is a peacemaker and bridge builder. During the Fifth Crusade, he traveled to Egypt, peaceful and unarmed, to encounter the Sultan Malik al-Kamil, considered by many "the enemy of the Cross of Christ."  During the last weeks of his life, he adds new lyrics to the Canticle of Brother Sun to restore peace between the Bishop and Mayor of Assisi.  Moreover, Francis fosters a spirit of kinship with all creatures, calling each of them Brother or Sister. He approaches all creatures with affection and care and invites them to praise their Creator.    

Amid great violence, poverty and suffering, Francis still experienced the goodness of God.  The state of our world today can tempt us to despair.  We see everyday examples of pain, loss and suffering in our society, and in our province.  It is a death of relationships and human solidarity.  Despite advances in communication technology, there is a lack of connection, a growing detachment from others, as many live in silos of isolation, engaged only with those who share their worldview.   

The disarray in our political system highlights polarization, an “us vs. them” mentality with little room for respectful listening and dialogue.  We are losing a collective sense of identity and responsibility for our fellow human beings, a diminishing belief that by working together we can make a positive difference.  We witness the rise of a small elite for whom prosperity and safety are assured. Those with money and power exploit natural resources, people and land without a sense of responsibility for the common good. There is little concern for the impact of these actions on the most vulnerable, and a loss of respect for Sister Mother Earth, our common home.

Detrimental effects are evident across a broad cultural and geographic spectrum. Within the Latino community, there is a sense of the loss of the American Dream. There are families who now consider the dream unattainable as well as others who see recent immigrants as a threat to their own success, security and their sense of the country’s best interests.  African Americans sense that they are being made invisible, as their experiences, struggles, successes and contributions are not valued as much as that of others.  Some Native Americans feel that they have decreasing influence and control over their own lives, limited opportunities, and minimal support from the government, coupled with poverty and addiction.  In Cuba, there is a growing sense of desperation, a lack of dignity and basic resources, while any form of public dissent leads to imprisonment.  A blockade imposed to bring about profound political reform is provoking greater deprivation and human suffering.  In the Middle East, Sudan, Ukraine, Haiti and elsewhere, unjustified wars and illegal occupations leave in their wake countless innocent victims, the destruction of vital social institutions and a degrading of the natural environment.  

Yet even in the midst of darkness and pain, hope is not lost. The example of our Brother Francis and his embrace of Christ's Gospel continue to generate life and inspiration.  At this year’s Provincial Chapter, we experienced optimism and joy. Certainly, many of us have concerns and anxieties about the future. But our faith in the Risen Christ and the support of our fraternity serve as anchors for our hope. Our fraternities have shown on many occasions the ability to manifest Gospel life and its virtues.  Brothers of different races, backgrounds, perspectives and personalities show they can live together in the genuine loving manner of the Gospel.  We know that interpersonal conflicts will arise, and we are challenged to address them as brothers. We also know that fraternal living can manifest our faith and generate an enthusiasm that we can offer to the people of God beyond our fraternities.  And we know how our generous benefactors and lay partners in ministry contribute so much to our mission with sacrifice and integrity.    

As Franciscans, we are by our vocation peacemakers and bridge builders.  In a culture that pressures us to see issues as black or white, friars can sit, listen and engage within the “gray zone” of differences and misunderstandings.  Formed by Gospel-centered convictions, we can try to see issues from more than one perspective, avoiding partisanship and polarization.  We can engage perceived enemies compassionately, acknowledging our shared humanity as brothers and sisters.  We can love one another despite our differences, allowing these to become a source of creativity and communion.  

We witness every day how people of good will still come together and stand up for Gospel values, including justice, peace and dignity for all, sharing a spirit of unity and non-violence.  Acts of solidarity in Negril, Jamaica, serve to remind us of our faith-directed responsibility to respect and care for all people as members of the one family of God.  

The importance given to the figure of St. Francis by our recent Popes Francis and Leo have shown how broadly his message and example still motivate people today throughout the world to commit to building a more just, humane and peaceful world. Let us celebrate the anniversary of his death this year with gratitude to God for his life, and pray that Christ will teach us what is ours to do today, as He did with Francis.  

Happy Feast of St. Francis!  

Fraternally,  

The Provincial Administration of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe 

Br. Michael A. Perry, OFM 
Minister Provincial and Servant 

Br. Erick López, OFM 
Vicar Provincial 

Br. John Aherne, OFM 
Provincial Councilor 

Br. Peter Boegel, OFM 
Provincial Councilor 

Br. George Camacho, OFM 
Provincial Councilor 

Br. Henry Fulmer, OFM 
Provincial Councilor 

Br. Colin King, OFM 
Provincial Councilor 

Br. Roger Lopez, OFM 
Provincial Councilor 

Br. Rommel Perez Flores, OFM 
Provincial Councilor