Welcome

Welcome to our Blog


This new blog site was established in an effort to help those seeking a deeper spirituality find the tools and support to grow in their relationship with the Creator. By regularly sharing their prayerful thoughts and ideas, the staff of the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Milwaukie, Oregon, hopes to help you in your journey to God and to a fuller, more joyful life. And if we can pique your interest in the many wonderful programs and opportunities offered at the Center, so much the better. Please check our website: www.francisspctr.com, for ongoing offerings.

A little bit about the Franciscan Spiritual Center: The staff of the Center strives to create and share a place of simple beauty and hospitality that will support and deepen the contemplative spirit for all faith traditions. It was established by and is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, a congregation of women religious whose values include conversion -- allowing God to shape our lives in His own image; contemplation -- opening ourselves completely to God and thereby following in His footsteps; poverty -- a poorness that acknowledges we are incomplete without God and that seeks to be generous and gentle of heart; and humility -- consciously seeking a simple way of life that can put us more deeply in touch with God and all of creation and serves as a call to justice, good stewardship and peace to the rest of the world.

St. Francis of Assisi, the 13th Century Mystic who founded the Franciscan movement, is recognized by Christians and non-Christians alike as a simple, prayerful man who honored God and all of creation. He is often depicted surrounded by birds and animals. One of his most famous prayers, The Canticle of the Creatures, praises and thanks God for Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Mother Earth, Brother Wind and Sister Water. It is such understanding, appreciation and love for all of God's creation that calls us to care for these gifts God has bestowed upon us so generously.


As we prepare to enter the Lenten season, we hope these weekly reflections will deepen your prayer life, open your heart, and guide you to a closer union with our Creator.

Please note: Comments on this blog are the opinions of the author. Unless otherwise noted, all materials contained on this site are the property of the Franciscan Spiritual Center and may not be used without permission.