At the heart of Franciscan theology is a profound truth: Christ is not distant or abstract but is always close to us--intimately present in all of creation. St. Francis of Assisi experienced Christ in his encounter with the leper, in his experience of the natural world, and in his awareness of the beauty in everyday moments of life. This incarnational vision — God choosing to dwell fully in our world through Jesus — calls us to see Christ at the center of all reality.
St. Paul reminds us, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). When we embrace this perspective, our vision of the world changes. No longer do we see Christ as confined to sacred spaces or specific moments of prayer; rather, His presence permeates every relationship, every act of service, and every corner of creation.
How might we live differently if we truly believed Christ is present in our daily encounters? A kind word to a stranger, an act of service for someone who is marginalized, or a moment of silent awe in nature — each can become a way to recognize and respond to the love of Christ.
This issue invites you to explore how placing Christ at the heart of reality can deepen your compassion and inspire a life of service. May we, like Francis, learn to recognize and embrace the presence of Christ all around us.
With peace and all good,
Darleen Pryds, Ph.D.
Academic Director
Master of Theological Studies-Franciscan Theology Franciscan School of Theology
Application Deadline Approaching!
The Summer 2025 application deadline isless than a month away! If you’re considering applying, now is the time to complete your materials and take the next step toward earning your Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology. Deadline is April 4
Community in the Online Program Wondering what community life looks like for online students? Hear directly from our graduates about their experiences in this short video.
*NEW* Franciscan Theology Certificate
Not quite ready for a full Master’s degree? Our 9-unit Franciscan Theology Certificate offers a flexible and enriching way to explore the richness of Franciscan thought. For more details, please email certificates@fst.edu or visit the press release page
Christ’s voluntary vulnerability upends worldly power structures and calls us to a different way of being. Carie More examines what it means to embrace Christ-like leadership, rooted not in dominance but in humility, service, and love.
How do we embrace the messiness of a Church that is both human and divine? Saint Anthony’s defense of an “incarnational Church” speaks to modern challenges, echoing Pope Francis’ call to integrate wisdom with mercy.
St. Francis and St. Clare saw humanity as fundamentally good, graced by God through the Incarnation — a perspective that continues to shape our understanding of human worth, social justice, and the way we live our daily lives.
What if Christ’s Incarnation was not simply a response to human sin, but the very purpose of Creation itself?
Incarnation
Transform Your Sunday — A Commitment to Community
How can we truly live out the reality that Christ is at the heart of all things? This month, we challenge you to dedicate one Sunday to deepening your awareness of Christ’s presence through prayer, service, and reflection.
Begin with prayer: Start your day with intentional prayer or attend Mass, asking God to open your heart to see Christ in the world around you.
Serve for one hour: Volunteer in your community in a way that reflects Christ’s love: serve a meal, clean up a park, assist at your parish, or support a neighbor in need. (More ideas here >>)
Reflect on the experience: At the end of the day, write a short reflection on how this challenge changed your perspective on Christ’s presence in daily life.
Encourage others in the MTS-FT community to join the challenge by sharing your experience on social media! Use the hashtag #ChristAtTheHeartOfReality and tag the USD MTS-FT program to inspire others on their journey.
**Bonus: Complete the challenge and receive an exclusive Franciscan sticker pack as a token of appreciation for your commitment to living out the Gospel!
This Newsletter is brought to you by the MTS- FT
Offered by the Franciscan School of Theology in partnership with the University of San Diego, the Master of Theological Studies – Franciscan Theology program gives students from all walks of life — and from anywhere in the world — the opportunity to explore deep Catholic theology and compassionate action in a graduate-level academic setting. This 100% online program is led by experienced Franciscan scholars who work together to present the wisdom of Franciscan theology and the beauty of lived experiences.
