Franciscan Spirit

Even as Gen Z remains statistically one of the least religiously affiliated generations, several studies suggest Gen Z is also experiencing a notable rise in interest and conversion within the Catholic Church. Some reports even suggest that young Catholics, ages 18-29, are some of the most actively engaged members in parish life. What is behind this interest and engagement with Catholicism? Why Catholicism? What do these trends say about our society and the cultural moment we are navigating?This episode's guest, Eyram Klu, OFS, not only has a beautiful journey but also reflects a number of Gen Z trends. Eyram is a Third Order Secular Franciscan, tech consulting professional, digital missionary, evangelist, and speaker. He was fully received into the Catholic Church in 2022, and studies part-time at Duke Divinity School’s Fons Vitae Catholic Fellowship. He has a passionate heart for welcoming those on the margins into the embrace of Christ’s Church and creates content about belonging and discipleship. Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @TheAfrociscan, and be on the lookout for a new podcast he is launching in November 2026 called "The Witness" centered on belonging and discipleship in the Catholic Church. Reflection segments throughout the episode are brought to you by Ela Milewska, the Director of Evangelization at the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.Explore the show notes here:(00:01:59) Why Catholicism?(00:15:38) Becoming a Secular Franciscan(00:22:58) Reflection No. 1: When Saints Chase You(00:26:05) Passion for Parish Life(00:31:06) Good News in the Darkness(00:34:04) Suffering and Inner Transformation(00:40:25) Reflection No. 2: Inviting God Into the Details of Our Lives(00:43:02) Why Young People Are Returning to Church(00:57:30) How the Church is Meeting the Needs of the World Head On(0:1:01:49) Reflection No. 3: Relevance of the Church(01:04:12) Final Thoughts(01:06:43) Invitation(01:08:47) Conclusion

What if the path to freedom isn’t found in finally becoming whole and complete but in learning to embrace our lack? This episode's guest, Peter Rollins, PhD, is a public intellectual known for his work in radical theology, psychoanalysis, and continental philosophy. In this conversation, Pete unpacks his life project, "pyrotheology," a provocative theological approach that invites us into an encounter with the mystery, division, and alienation at the heart of reality itself. Rather than promising wholeness through belief, success, self-improvement, or even traditional religion, pyrotheology suggests that true liberation comes when we stop fleeing our lack and discover that this very brokenness is shared—even woven into the absolute. Pyrotheology's emphasis on the Crucified God and relationality also makes way in this episode for dialogue about its fascinating overlaps with Franciscan theology. This conversation will stretch you, unsettle you, and perhaps even liberate you.Explore the show notes here.(00:00:01) Introduction(00:02:25) What is Pyrotheology?(00:07:50) The Danger in Promises of Wholeness and Completeness(00:15:28) Capitalism, Drive, Desire, and Enjoyment(00:20:01) Reflection No. 1: Sacred Objects and Desire(00:24:25) Cultivating Enjoyment(00:29:56) Hedonistic and Nihilistic Religions vs. Religions of the Absurd(00:36:50) Reflection No. 2: Christ Crucified and the San Damiano Cross(00:40:57) Community, Communion, and the Commons(00:46:24) Christ Crucified and the Eucharist(00:49:21) What About the Trinity?(00:57:43) The Apophatic Tradition and Catholicism(01:01:23) Parable: The Mystic, Evangelical, and Fundamentalist(01:04:26) Parable: Seamus Goes to Las Vegas(01:07:43) Relationality, Lack, and Love(01:11:50) Reflection No. 3: Letting Lack Guide Us(01:16:50) The Contemplative Mystical Tradition and Pyrotheology(01:20:50) Shared Alienation(01:25:33) What Does this Conversation Mean for Our Everyday Lives?(01:30:58) Conclusion

Politics, workplaces, education, sports...no matter where you look, it seems that so many avenues of American life are experiencing a crisis in leadership. What might the Franciscan posture of relationship, mutuality, and humble listening offer an age in crisis? Is there such a thing as Franciscan leadership, and if so, what is it? How have different leadership models evolved throughout history, and where might they be leading us? Sara P. Marks is the founder and CEO of Fina Catalysts LLC (https://finacatalysts.wordpress.com). Sara works with Catholic nonprofits to transform organizations for a mission-driven future. She facilitates congregational assemblies and chapters, works with leadership teams, associate communities, and leads retreat experiences grounded in charism and mission. As a former vowed Franciscan, she understands the intricacies of religious life and the unique challenges congregations face in the 21st Century. Sara holds a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University in Literature and a master’s from The University of Dayton in Pastoral Ministry. She is currently working on her PhD in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in nonprofit and public administration at Eastern University. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:03:13) Leadership Background and Experiences (00:10:20) Adaptive Leadership (00:17:00) Reflection No. 1: Exploring Servant and Adaptive Leadership (00:21:50) Impact of Personal Experiences on Leadership (00:25:48) Franciscan Leadership: Listening, Relationships, and Sine Proprio (00:35:24) Reflection No. 2: Exploring Sine Proprio and the Essence of Ideas (00:39:05) Adaptive Leadership: The Challenge of Making Decisions (00:41:27) Evolving Leadership Models and Integrating Franciscan Principles (00:48:52) Addressing the Crisis of Leadership in Society (00:54:39) Franciscan Community and Political Discourse (00:57:42) Reflection No. 3: Considering the Whole in Political Discourse (01:03:30) Navigating Political Differences with Grace (01:11:21) The Role of Technology in Dialogue (01:15:25) The Call for a Franciscan Renaissance and Posture (01:24:39) Conclusion

Daniel P. Horan, PhD, a longtime Thomas Merton scholar, professor, and author of a book on Merton’s deep Franciscan roots, sits down to discuss how the Franciscan tradition helped shape the journey and spirituality of Thomas Merton, one of the 20th century’s most influential contemplatives. Horan discusses Merton’s surprising path that led him deep into the Franciscan tradition and the fascinating details as to why he became a Trappist monk instead of a Franciscan friar; how John Duns Scotus’s idea of particularity shaped Merton’s famous teaching about the true self and false self; and how both Scotus and St. Bonaventure informed Merton’s expansive Christology. Lastly, Horan unpacks how a life grounded in contemplation freed Merton for prophetic engagement in the world, inter-religious dialogue, and exploring some of the most pressing social questions of his time.Whether you’re a longtime Merton reader or just beginning to explore the Franciscan tradition, this conversation reveals how deeply the two are intertwined—and why both still speak so powerfully and prophetically to us today. Throughout the episode, Horan relates Merton's journey to ours and explores why his spirituality is so important for us to consider today. If you’re interested in supporting this podcast and donating, visit friars.us or franciscanfriarscharities.org.Daniel P. Horan, PhD, is Professor of Philosophy, Religious Studies and Theology at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. A columnist for the National Catholic Reporter, he is the author or editor of sixteen books, including Catholicity and Emerging Personhood: A Contemporary Theological Anthropology, A White Catholic’s Guide to Racism and Privilege, and The Way of the Franciscans: A Prayer Journey Through Lent. Prof. Horan’s most recent books are titled Engaging Thomas Merton: Spirituality, Justice, and Racism and Fear and Faith: Hope and Wholeness in a Fractured World. He is currently working on a book on Christology tentatively titled, Not Because of Sin: Reconsidering the Reason God Became Human. His academic research, writing, and teaching focuses on medieval and contemporary spirituality, medieval and modern philosophy, theological anthropology, Christology, antiracism and LGBTQ issues, and theologies of creation. Prof. Horan regularly lectures around the United States and abroad; and serves on several university, academic, and publication editorial boards, including the Board of Directors of the Catholic Theological Society of America and the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality. He is recipient of numerous awards for his writing and service and is co-host of The Francis Effect Podcast.Explore the show notes here.(00:00:01) Introduction(00:03:50) Thomas Merton: Spiritual Companion(00:10:43) Rain and the Rhinoceros(00:15:14) Merton and the Franciscan Tradition(00:23:44) Why Merton Never Became a Franciscan Friar(00:31:42) The Impact of a Franciscan Education on Merton(00:35:16) How Scotus Informed Merton's Writings on the True Self(00:48:30) How Scotus and Bonaventure Informed Merton's Christology(00:58:33) Franciscanism in Merton's Later Works(01:06:41) Final Thoughts(01:08:18) Conclusion

The focus of this special feast day episode is St. Clare of Assisi’s remarkable, poetic letters to another woman of nobility, St. Agnes of Prague. Guiding listeners through these four letters is Sister Joanne Schatzlein, OSF, a Franciscan scholar, co-author of a major study on Clare of Assisi, and lifelong student of her spirituality. Sister Joanne is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, whose Motherhouse is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and entered her Congregation in 1965. In this episode, Sister Joanne echoes to us Clare's invitation to Agnes: to gaze, consider, contemplate, and imitate in our lives what Christ has taught us. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:05:24) Background (00:11:21) Agnes and Clare’s Correspondence (00:21:23) First Letter: Spousal Language (00:25:26) First Letter: Absolute Poverty (00:30:27) Second Letter: Background and Introduction (00:35:12) What is Franciscan Poverty Today?(00:43:37) Second Letter: God's Poverty and Humility; Clare's Formula for Prayer(00:52:52) Third Letter: Background and Introduction (00:55:59) Third Letter: Mirror of Eternity, Stigmata, and the San Damiano Cross(00:1:04:13) Third Letter: Embracing the Poor Christ (01:09:38) Fourth Letter: The Mystical Letter (01:12:28) Fourth Letter: Mirror Metaphor; Oneness with the Suffering Christ(01:18:23) Fourth Letter: Franciscan Relationality, Follower of Francis (01:21:47) Benediction (01:23:57) Conclusion

In a time when loneliness and disconnection are at historic highs, how can resurrecting community help us awaken to what Thomas Merton called our “true selves”? In an age of division, how might principles from the Franciscan way help us to uncover our “original unity”? What does real, authentic, diverse community look like today? And what does Pope Leo’s new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas say about using digital tools to build a universal human family? What might a digital “piazza” offer in this technological age?This episode’s guest is Julianne Wallace, D.Min., the executive director of the Franciscan Federation and a ministry professional deeply rooted in the Franciscan tradition. Throughout her career, Julianne has worked with all branches of the Franciscan family—friars, sisters, secular Franciscans, associates, as well as serving a year with the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry—and she continues to build bridges and foster collaboration across the wider Franciscan world.The Franciscan Federation is a member organization that brings together vowed religious, secular Franciscans, associates, and all who seek to live out a Franciscan life today. The Federation also hosts the Piazza, a digital gathering place inspired by the Piazza del Comune in Assisi, where people from every Franciscan path can meet, pray, learn, and build community together. To learn more about Fran Fed, visit www.franfed.org. To join the Piazza, visit thepiazza.franfed.org.View the show notes here.(00:00:01) Introduction(00:02:33) Exploring the Franciscan Federation(00:07:06) The Piazza Project: A Digital Community(00:19:01) The True Self and the Common Good(00:27:14) Reflection No. 1: Deep Gladness and Deep Need(00:29:57) Masks and Ego(00:34:38) From Communication to Communion(00:42:39) Reflection No. 2: Moving Toward Communion(00:45:10) Echo Chambers and the Role of Community(00:55:57) Reflection No. 3: Remembering Who We Are(00:59:40) Exploring Magnifica Humanitas(1:07:03) In the Footsteps of Mary Magdalene(1:14:10) Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this episode celebrating the Feast Day of 13th-century Franciscan philosopher St. Bonaventure, Professor Timothy Weldon helps listeners encounter a saint whose heart-centered wisdom still speaks powerfully today. Weldon explores Bonaventure's life of humble service, brilliant leadership, and profound vision of beauty, light, and the Trinity. Dr. Weldon, a philosophy professor who has taught for 25 years at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, explores a number of topics in this episode: from Bonaventure’s deep connection to St. Francis, his beautiful Hymn to the Cross, the soul’s journey to God, and how themes of order, light, relationality, and everyday faithfulness can renew our own lives. Whether you’re Franciscan-curious or well-versed in the tradition, this episode offers both inspiration and practical invitation. (00:00:01) Introduction (00:02:05) The Life of St. Bonaventure (00:15:22) What St. Francis Lived, Bonaventure was to Think (00:24:09) Beauty's Invitation to Contemplation and Action (00:38:30) Trinity, Relationality, and Love (00:44:52) Applying Bonaventure Today in Our Lived Experience (00:55:48) Conclusion

In this episode, we dive into one of the most urgent conversations of our time: faith and artificial intelligence, which Pope Leo XIV just explored in his groundbreaking encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas.” What does this new encyclical teach us about AI and what it is not? What does it teach us about how to navigate the age of AI and Robotics? How can wisdom from this encyclical help us harness AI for mission? Our guest, Edmundo Reyes, dives into all this and more in this episode of Franciscan Spirit.Edmundo Reyes is an award-winning producer and recognized leader in marketing, communications, fundraising, and public relations. His career has been dedicated to advancing evangelization through digital media, technology, and storytelling. He is the founder of Digital Continent, a Catholic media company telling stories of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful to make Christ known and loved in the digital culture. He serves as founder and executive producer of several acclaimed projects, including:Seeking Beauty with David Henrie, a new documentary series on art, culture, and faith, available on EWTN+ and EWTN.comReal+True, a digital apostolate under the patronage of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Evangelization, which unlocks the beauty and truth of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to the next generation.Based on a True Saint, a documentary series presented by The Augustine Institute that tells the stories of modern and soon-to-be saints through firsthand testimony.Revive Parishes, an online formation platform equipping parish leaders with practical tools for mission.His work has been honored with multiple regional Emmy Awards, Catholic Media Association awards, and national nominations. Previously, he served as Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Detroit, where he led one of the most innovative communications teams in the Church and was twice recognized with the Father John Catoir Evangelization Award.(00:00:01) Introduction(00:02:25) Backstory: Faith & AI Project(00:08:43) Reaction to Magnifica Humanitas(00:12:21) How Do We Approach this Technology?(00:15:35) Can AI Make Us More Human?(00:20:55) Reflection No. 1(00:28:02) Discerning AI(00:43:22) Using AI to Slow us Down, Cause Friction, and Deepen Relationship(00:54:34) Reflection No. 2: Becoming More Human(01:00:28) Using AI For Mission, Attuning Our Hearts to Beauty(01:09:17) Reflection No. 3: Beauty(01:13:49) AI and its Impact on the Environment(01:18:55) Structural Issues and Economic Interests(01:23:39) The Desire to Be Known and Loved(01:30:51) Conclusion

Longtime peace activist, priest, and author Fr. John Dear has been a leading voice for Gospel nonviolence for decades, drawing deeply from the examples of Jesus, St. Francis, Gandhi, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In this conversation, Fr. John explores the inner and outer dimensions of violence and nonviolence, the radical call to surrender our will to the God of Peace, and what it truly means to live as extensions of God’s universal love in a world on the brink. He discusses his powerful new book, "Universal Love: Surrendering to the God of Peace," along with his Gospel commentary "The Gospel of Peace." Be sure to check out John’s work at BeatitudesCenter.org and his global podcast, "The Nonviolent Jesus Podcast," available on all major platforms and featured on the front page of National Catholic Reporter. Reflection segments throughout the episode are brought to you by Ela Milewska, the Director of Evangelization at the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.Show notes are available here.(00:00:01) Introduction(00:01:47) Understanding Violence and Nonviolence(00:06:29) The Inner Dimensions of Violence(00:11:05) Reflection No. 1: Violence is Forgetting Who We Are(00:14:50) Surrendering to God's Will(00:20:57) What Fr. John Learned From Archbishop Desmond Tutu(00:26:33) Reflection No. 2: Working Through Resentment(00:30:27) Not My Will, But Yours Done(00:37:37) What Fr. John Learned from Henri Nouwen(00:39:36) Political Dimensions of Nonviolence(00:50:26) Reflection No. 3: They Want Us to Be Angry(00:55:14) Historical Context of Nonviolence(00:59:12) Urgency of Nonviolence in Today's World(01:03:14) New Book: Surrendering to the God of Peace(01:11:23) Conclusion

This episode contains a deeply personal and moving conversation with Father Mark Soehner, a Franciscan friar whose life has been shaped by decades of living the Gospel in community, among the poor, and through profound personal trials.From his early rebellion and brief season of atheism, to discovering a God who doesn’t love us because we’re good—but makes us good because God loves us—Father Mark takes us through his journey into religious life. He shares stories of living with the homeless in Cincinnati, the healing power of brotherhood, and how the downward path of descent has continually drawn him closer to the heart of God.We also walk with him through one of life’s darkest valleys: the murder of his sister and the long road of rage, grief, and forgiveness. And in a spirit of courageous honesty, Father Mark opens up about his recent diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s—and how he is learning, even now, to entrust every detail of his life into the hands of a humble, accompanying God. This is a conversation about expanding our view of God, embracing our full humanity, and daring to bring everything—our anger, our fear, our limitations—before the One who never leaves us.Read "Becoming Church," an article Father Mark wrote in reflecting on this conversation.Show notes are available here.- - - - - - - - - -Mark Soehner, OFM, is a Franciscan friar and priest with over four decades of pastoral, formation, and leadership experience in the Order of Friars Minor. Throughout his ministry, Fr. Mark has served in diverse settings including homeless shelters (St. Vincent Hotel in Dayton and Zacchaeus Friary), campus ministry at the University of Cincinnati, and parish leadership. From 1995 to 2008 he served as Pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in Detroit, guiding the community through significant change while also maintaining a licensed professional counseling practice (M.S. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland). He has been deeply involved in Franciscan formation as a formator in Chicago and Cincinnati/Detroit, and served on the Provincial Council. In 2017 he was elected Provincial Minister of St. John the Baptist Province, and in 2023 was elected Vicar Provincial of the newly formed Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Known for his compassionate presence, commitment to those on the margins, and dedication to Franciscan life, Fr. Mark brings a wealth of wisdom, lived experience, and spiritual insight to conversations on faith, service, leadership, and community.- - - - - - - - - -(00:00:01) Introduction(00:02:48) Childhood and Spiritual Background(00:10:29) A Personal Faith: Evolving One's Godview(00:20:11) Reflection No. 1: We Are God's Beloved(00:21:39) When the Church is Alive(00:24:45) Moses and the Burning Bush(00:26:51) The Franciscan Way and the Path of Descent(00:30:50) God's Poverty and Humility(00:35:19) Reflection No. 2: The Path of Descent(00:37:39) Bringing Our Full Selves to God and Our Community(00:46:02) Being Converted by the Poor and Homeless(00:50:16) Moving through Rage, Bitterness Toward Forgiveness(00:58:27) Reflection No. 3: Being Vulnerable with God(1:00:32) An Unknown Road Ahead: A Lifestyle of Surrender(1:10:27) Trusting God's Embrace on the Path of Descent(1:13:38) Final Words(1:14:52) Conclusion