Ilia Delio, OSF

Spiritual desire is the longing of the heart for relationship with God that brings happiness and peace. Francis of Assisi was a passionate person, a dreamer, a lover and a person of desire. When he felt his desire filled in hearing the gospel, he found the answer to his deepest longings and changed his life accordingly. He became a follower of Christ. Francis’ life shows us that we must be attentive to our desires if we are to find the fulfillment of our lives in God.

Franciscan evangelical life strives to live in this mystery more deeply through a life of unceasing prayer.

The life of Christ is the life of all life––the peace of creation, the justice of humanity and the unity of humankind.

As one enters more closely into relationship with God by entering more deeply into relationship with Christ, one becomes a friend of Christ.

Prayer that allows the mystery of Christ to change our lives, is a high-risk enterprise—an uncontrollable experience.

The Franciscan path of prayer that leads to peace is a path of transformation and witness.