Origins of the Franciscan Movement 1209-2009

St Francis – Patron of Ecology and Poor Man of Assisi showed the way ahead 800 years ago

Rumours of the death of religious life are, thankfully, much exaggerated.

With the credit crunch causing us all to be careful about how we live and environmental concerns uppermost in our minds, the Poor Man of Assisi and Patron Saint of Ecology, St Francis of Assisi, has a message that is more relevant than ever. It is a message that continues to inspire men and women, young and old, to give up their lives to follow Christ after the manner of the saint.

Numbers are smaller, but Franciscan friars and sisters are living the gospel life in the 21st century. 150 communities around Britain continue to minister to the poor and marginalised in many different ways.

You can meet these extraordinary people at one of the events celebrating their eighth centenary over the coming year or contact a member of the organising committee for an interview. Perhaps you may like to visit one of the formation houses where young men and women train to live this life and talk to them about why they have chosen this way. Find out what a saint who started this movement 800 years ago has to say to us today.

Francis’ followers in this country and worldwide are celebrating eight centuries of life and ministry. Further details are available from www.friar.org/news.html.

Franciscan International Study Centre, Giles Lane, Canterbury, CT2 7NA. 01227 769349