With Pope Leo XIV’s decree for a Jubilee Year of St. Francis, Christians are called to embrace the spirit and example of St. Francis. But what does this look like in today’s complex and modern world? How can we make this holy time a reflection of Franciscan values, transforming our daily lives in tangible ways? In other words, how can we live like St. Francis? 

To answer this question, we turn to our own Franciscan friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. These men have professed vows to live in the manner of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan movement. What wisdom can they share to anyone who seeks to follow in the footsteps of Francis, especially during this Jubilee Year. 

1. Pray with presence, not for performance 

Br. Michael Reyes, OFM, used to think prayer was all about what he did: saying the right words, adopting the correct posture or perfecting the tone for chanting. His focus was to look and sound “holy enough,” he said. 

“But my life as a friar has gently – and sometimes not so gently – disabused me of that notion,” Br. Michael said. “Prayer began to find me in unexpected moments: while clearing dishes after dinner in the friary, sitting in traffic and trying not to lose my Franciscan halo, or standing in a living room filled with grief so thick the air feels heavy.” 

He has noticed that in the din of despair – or in everyday life – prayer can emerge in the rawest of forms. Sometimes, words aren’t even necessary. 

Try this  

Sit. Listen. Remain present. Let your prayer become a witness. “It’s holding the hand of a sick brother in a hospital room where machines beep louder than any words I could say,” Br. Michael said. “And I’ve come to realize, God is already there, long before I arrive.”  

2. Practice humility and let go of ego 

Our egos can be trouble for us at times, and these instances can remind us that humility is a virtue. A fundamental element in practicing humility is learning the importance of a sense of humor, says Br. Gino Correa, OFM. 

“Humor gives us the capacity to let go of the masks that our ego teaches us to put on and identify with,” he said. “Humor allows us to look more closely at those masks for what they are and to laugh at them and ourselves for ever thinking that they could substitute for the life we have been given but were too afraid to live to the fullest.” 

Humor allows us to take a fresh breath of who we truly are, he said. “And to exhale a heartfelt ‘thank you!’” 

Try this 

Laugh at yourself! As a former Provincial Minister, Br. Gino said he learned how often his ego interfered with his call to serve. “When I admitted to myself that I never wanted to be provincial, I just wanted to be elected provincial – only then was I able to enjoy a deep belly laugh at myself and then let go of playing provincial and become a servant-minister.” 

3. Practice basic kindness 

Political discourse can quickly dissolve into harmful rhetoric. Other forms of communication, in person and online, are also prone to twists and turns in which respect for human dignity feels like an afterthought. 

Br. Frank Jasper, OFM, says he would rather give young people a better example, and it comes down to basic kindness. 

“Whenever I am in contact with folks, I try to be extremely polite, respectful and reverent in my speech,” he said. “I have no political power, except voting, but I can influence others by how I act.” 

Try this 

Affirm others for their contributions and show gratitude. It’s all part of building positive relationships. “I think we Franciscans are called to be respectful to all of creation, especially our brothers and sisters,” Br. Frank said.