Each new beginning brings a fresh opportunity to care for God’s creation. Rooted in the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, who saw all of nature as a reflection of God’s beauty, we are called to deepen our commitment to caring for creation — not just for the Earth, but for the poor around the world as well as future generations.
This issue will explore how the Franciscan tradition can guide your 2025 resolutions toward actions to foster a more just, human, and compassionate world.
The year 2025 marks the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, and the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclicalLaudato si’. I am pleased to announce the publication of an expanded version of a book I coauthored, Care for Creation: A Franciscan Spirituality of the Earth. Both Laudato si’ and this expanded version of Care for Creation are used in our MTS-FT program.
As we step into the New Year, let us reflect on how small, intentional steps — whether through prayer, lifestyle changes, or mindful care for creation — can be acts of love for our “common home.” Moved by the example of St. Francis, may we learn to live more simply, gratefully, and in harmony with all that God has made.
With peace and blessings,
Keith Douglass Warner OFM
Associate Professor of Ethics & Spirituality
Franciscan School of Theology
University of San Diego
2025 Spring Term Begins
We want to extend a warm welcome to new MTS-FT students joining us for the Spring Term and to welcome back returning students. May you all have a fruitful term!
Maternal Wisdom on the Mother Road Franciscan School of Theology alumna Rebecca Freeman reflects on how Route 66, affectionately known as the “Mother Road,” serves as a powerful metaphor for maternal strength and guidance, reflecting the nurturing care of our Blessed Mother Mary.
We’re Headed to RECongress 2025 Meet the USD MTS-FT team in person this February at Booth #308!
Pilgrimage Opportunity: 2025 Lady Jacoba Scholarship - Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi. If you are a lay woman enrolled in an FST degree program, you are eligible to apply for this scholarship. For more information, please click here.
In this episode of Off the Page, Stephen Copeland and Keith Warner discuss trailblazing a path to eco-spirituality and how ecology and spirituality are interdependent, Laudato sí, "Canticle of the creatures" and Franciscan Spirituality and much more!
Christ may have been born in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, but the true Incarnation of God predates that by 14.5 billion years. All of creation reveals the “Cosmic Christ,” inviting us to see the sacred in everything and reimagine our place in God’s great story.
Despite Pope Francis’s urgent call in Laudato si’ to care for our common home, many U.S. Catholics remain apathetic, leaving the Church out of touch with one of the defining issues of our time. True ecological conversion, inspired by St. Francis, requires deep reflection, grassroots dialogue, and a renewed commitment to heal our fractured relationship with creation.Read Now >>
Stewardship
As we begin this New Year, we invite you to embrace a Franciscan approach to stewardship by adopting a habit that honors God’s creation.
The challenge is to commit to one of the following actions — or to come up with one of your own:
Reduce your carbon footprint through mindful energy use and sustainable choices.
Plant a garden, large or small, with native plants that support pollinators and local ecosystems.
Spend time in nature, using prayer and meditation to reflect on God’s presence in creation.
If you’re open to it, we encourage you to share your journey of stewardship and inspire others by posting your reflections or actions on social media. Use the hashtag #MTSFTStewardship2025 and tag the USD MTS-FT program to connect with a community of faith-driven changemakers.
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.
