Franciscan Voice

What is the true meaning of the Holy Spirit in our lives? In this Brief Break for Peace, Friar Jude Winkler tells how the Spirit can bring a sense of unity in which we truly love one another.

A contemporary of St. Maximilian Kolbe, +Friar Lucjan Krolikowski entered seminary in Niepokalanów, Poland in 1934 at age 15 and began an amazing journey of service and sacrifice. In 1940, he was taken prisoner by Soviet troops and sent to a concentration camp in Siberia. He was drafted into the Polish army before eventually gaining his freedom and becoming ordained a priest in 1946. "We prayed every day," he said. "Those who believe in God survived. Others couldn't find the means to go on." Friar Dan Lutolf tells his story.  

St. Paul says we get into trouble when we live "according to the flesh" rather than responding to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Jude Winkler reminds us that opening our hearts to the Spirit, we can live the way God wants us to live in the world: the way of love, joy, and peace.

August 11th is the Feast Day of Saint Clare of Assisi. Friar Martin Breski tells her story in this episode of Franciscan Voice.

Stories from Our Lady of Consolation Basilica and National Shrine in Carey, Ohio

+Br. Jeffrey Hines considered his time spent ministering at the Shrine a highlight of his life. Over 30 years Brother Jeffrey welcomed thousands of pilgrims to Our Lady of Consolation. Many were seeking healing from physical, mental, or spiritual pain and problems. Friar Jeffrey listened to their stories and prayed with them. In this podcast, he shares some of his memories with Br. Randy Kin. (+Br. Jeffrey passed away in 2020 in Bloomington, Minnesota. In addition to his service at OLC Shrine, Br. Jeffrey also served as a guide in Assisi, Italy; Director of Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota; Secretary for the Province of Our Lady of Consolation; and in the education and formation of student Friars.)

How should we handle disputes? Friar Jude Winkler talks about Jesus' instructions on how to deal with disagreements (Matthew 18) and how to confront others with honesty. Take a few minutes for this Brief Break for Peace.

Celebrating the Eucharist and having a community of worship brings us peace. Sharing this peace with others, even through small actions such as driving with courtesy, helps peace to grow, just as the river increases in Ezekiel 47. Take a Brief Break for Peace with Friar Jude Winkler.

From local 'fraternities' to federations of provinces, Friar Tim Kulbicki explains the Conventual Franciscan Order's structure in this last episode of the Constitutions.

Psalm 72 says that the perfect ruler brings justice to the powerless. Friar Jude Winkler explains that each of us has the responsibility to reach out to those around us, especially those most in need, bringing to each of them God's love.

St. Francis of Assisi made the Chapters of the Friars the most important factor in governing the Order. Friar Tim Kulbicki explains the different kinds of Chapters, and how all the Friars share in determining the ministry and direction of the Franciscan Order.