Although extensive books have been written about Franciscan spirituality, the phrase “Crib, Cross, and Tabernacle” captures the essence of St. Francis’ thought. The Incarnation, the redemption of mankind through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice of Himself on the Cross, and His presence, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Blessed Sacrament, all focused St. Francis toward Our Lord’s love for each individual soul. His response to this Divine Love was the total giving of self to God.
The Queen of the Franciscan Order, a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is firmly based on St. Francis’ devotion to her, so evident in his writings. The work of St. Maximilian Kolbe shows the necessity of this Franciscan devotion toward “The Immaculata” in modern times.
Our Sisters study Franciscan spirituality not only during their postulancy and novitiate, but throughout their lives. May we imitate St. Francis in his title “Francis the Catholic.”
