The Franciscan Spirituality of Beauty with Fr. Henry Beck, OFM

Franciscan scholar, Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ, calls our Franciscan spirituality “a journey or way of beauty.” During this day of reflection we will explore this theme of beauty that is foundational to the Franciscan outlook and way of living. Building on the reflections of St. Bonaventure and Blessed John Duns Scotus, we will see how for Franciscans “beauty” is not just one aspect of life, but it is the deepest foundation of reality.

Franciscan spirituality invites us to be transformed by our encounters with beauty and to see God’s Spirit and presence here. This then carries over into how we will live our lives and the moral choices we make.The Franciscan vision invites us to see ourselves as “artists” who in our moral actions enflesh the beauty within which we are living.This is to live out of God’s gracious love and mercy in all we do. With Fr. Henry Beck, OFM