Franciscan spirituality is communal, emphasizing the “we” over the “I.” While each human is a separate species, each human grows and flourishes in community. Franciscan communalism has the calming insight that we can choose our friends but we cannot choose our brothers and sisters. In the larger society, Franciscan communalism democratizes aristocracy and renders all people lords and ladies, replacing class warfare with class cooperation. Franciscan communalism is always for others.
Franciscan spirituality is lesser, humble, poor. It acknowledges that all is gift from the triune God, including our talents and abilities. Since Franciscans own nothing, they wear greatness well, and are the true and faithful stewarts of creation, always asserting that up to now, we have done nothing.
Franciscan spirituality is practical; not fasting more beyond what the Church requires for all, eating of what is set before one, preaching without words, and feeding 100 bag ladies by noon tomorrow.