There have been some technical issues with the website (which have now been fixed), which have prevented emails from being delivered in the last few months. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this has caused and to those whose messages have gone unanswered. Peace and all good!
The Spirit of Francis website, which commemorates the 800th year since the death of St Francis is now active.
For more information, including the pilgrimage taking place to mark this event, please click here.
Brothers Felix, Finnian, James Douglas and Simeon were invited to visit the Diocese of Västerås, in the Church of Sweden in October 2025. The visit was part of the ongoing relationship between SSF and the Diocese of Västerås, which began with the signing of a Letter of Intent in 2024. The brothers were generously hosted, and the programme of events enabled them to see a good deal of the different aspects of the Church of Sweden’s work in that particular diocese.
The brothers are pictured in Västerås Cathedral – sitting in the original choir stall dating from when the Cathedral was a Dominican church. Left to right are: Simeon, James Douglas, Finnian and Felix.
Simon Rushton, a long term friend of Alnmouth Friary has made a short film with interviews of SSF Brothers talking about their vocations. The video was created for a Companions’ Day and includes five Brothers, at the time living at Alnmouth Friary, explaining why they joined the Society of St Francis.
The video can be watched via this link
The final music used is My Peace I Give You by the Poor Clares of Arundel and their wonderful music can streamed or purchased as a CD via this link
Many thanks to Simon for his work in preparing this video and for the insight it provides into the life of SSF Brothers.
Br Micael Christoffer, Br Simeon and Sr Gina were the representatives for C/SSF at the Conference of Interconfessional Religious which took place in August at Tymawr Convent in Wales. The Franciscan family presence also included a Poor Clare from France and an OFM Brother from Italy.
The Conference was an opportunity for members of Christian religious communities of various denominations and from around Europe, to meet for fellowship, to worship together and to hear input on the the theme of creation from different Christian perspectives.
The picture below shows all of the attendees and was taken outside of the Convent. 
First Order Brothers from the European Province of the Society of St Francis met together at Hilfield Friary recently, to worship, socialise and discuss various matters at our Annual Brothers’ Chapter. Pictured are most of the Brothers of the European Province, with some being absent when the picture was taken.
Novice Guardians of various Anglican Religious Communities met at the Convent of the Incarnation, Fairacres in Oxford recently, including Sr Maureen CSF.
In the picture are: back row – Fr Thomas CR, Sr Margaret Therese SLG, Sr Elizabeth Jane CSMV, Sr Katharine SSC, Sr Sue OCMM. Front row – Sr Alison OSB, Sr Aileen CSC, Sr Maureen CSF.
As we mourn the death of Pope Francis, with Christians around the world, we are reminded of the influence of the life of St. Francis on his papacy. This video created by Dr Liam Temple, explains how Pope Francis was inspired by the life of the saint.
The Centre for Catholic Studies at the University of Durham is hosting a Summer School from 9th-20th June 2025.
The content of the lectures will encompass Franciscan Reform and Renewal Movements; Franciscan Foundations for Moral Theology; and St Bonaventure on Love, Wisdom and the Quest for Holiness. The academic level of the content will be equivalent to second year undergraduate study and the Summer School is suitable for all people who are interested in Franciscan Theology.
To find out more, click here
To book a place, click here
You are warmly invited to attend a ‘Companions’ Zoom Coffee morning’ which will be hosted by Br Finnian on Saturday 29th March at 10.30am. Please email Finnian by clicking here for a link.
