Experiencing God with St. Francis

Long before the term “spiritual” became common, Francis of Assisi embodied its deepest meaning, while also being religious in the best sense of the word. We are drawn to him because he restored religion to its proper place: the human heart, where it can transform everyday life.

The 36 ways of experiencing God that author Jon Sweeney has identified from early Franciscan sources show that anyone can follow Francis’s example. These practices will be explored through presentation, participation, reflection, and discussion. Examples of these early Franciscan practices include “freeing captive creatures,” “praying alone at night,” “allowing yourself to weep,” “standing between those who fight,” and “praying ‘Who are you, God? And who am I?’”

On this 800th anniversary year of St. Francis’ death and Jubilee Year of St. Francis, Jon will introduce these ways of experiencing God and offer parallels from other spiritual teachers, such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Abraham Joshua Heschel, and Mary Oliver.