Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Franciscan Schools Australia (FSA) website. We are proud of this site for your use. We will be regularly adding to what is available for you here so that these pages become a living and working ‘creation’. We sincerely hope that what you and your school find here will enable your community to grow in your awareness and love of our Franciscan Story.
I am reminded of some words uttered by St Bonaventure in a homily …. “Every creature is a divine word because it proclaims God.”
Some powerful thoughts from Bonaventure and a reminder to all of us that in our encounters with colleagues, students and parents we are in fact encountering God.
As you draw on the information and resources contained in this website, remember that they will help you to ‘proclaim God’ in your community.
St Bonaventure was a very dedicated and popular teacher because he wanted his students to know all they possibly could know about the God who created them. FSA wants you to use these resources creatively so that people in your community will learn to love the God who created them. Like Bonaventure, we hope that you will lead your community to discover the divine presence within them.
2026
2026 The Easter of Saint Francis.
It is an invitation to contemplate our life, both personally and as a Franciscan Family, with the eyes of faith.
It is an opportunity to thank God for all the gifts he has bestowed on us, particularly for the gift of Francis of Assisi and his evangelical life, which has become the charism our FSA schools carry.
It is an occasion to remember that we are all called to holiness, and that like Francis, we are invited to reflect the beauty of the Gospel and of our Franciscan vocation. What gifts!
In 2026 FSA will turn 20 years young. We will focus on:
- Growing the FSA National Executive Team.
- Action deliberate capacity building and deep charism training for targeted schools and individuals.
- Prayer, retreat and formation.
FSA has formation bookings throughout the year.
We love to be in schools with staff, so if you wish to book FSA for staff formation please contact us ASAP.
FSA has planned:
Formation events in Rockhampton, Townsville and school communities throughout Brisbane during the 2026 January Staff Weeks.
In February Fr Stephen and Alison will become pilgrims at the LA RE Congress. This provides the opportunity to connect with Franciscan schools and organisations around the United States and globally.
FSA will launch a Creative Arts Collective Competition. We will call for poems, written pieces, art work, photographs and music responses to Francis of Assisi Inspires.
FSA 2026 Lenten retreat, Brisbane – Friday 6th March 2026 at Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Brisbane.
FSA Short Course for FSA Staff (Franciscan book about Saint Francis and 3 x online conversation circles) Term 2 & 3.
FSA Franciscan Justice and Peace Gathering for Students – Assisi College, Upper Coomera, Qld hosting.
FSA Combined Staff Day Retreat at Tambourine Mountain for SEQ and Gold Coast school staff – mid June 2026 and August. (TBC)
FSA Gathering Day Events in Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane with Br. Bill Short, OFM – during July 2026.
Franciscan Month is October. It is full of prayer, activities and events in schools as we celebrate Francis of Assisi.
Throughout 2026 Franciscan Voices and Centenario articles will be written by fraternal members.
Come on retreat to Greccio and Assisi.
In celebration of this anniversary year, in December we invite the FSA community on retreat in Greccio and Assisi. It will be wonderful to visit our Franciscan Bethlehem during Advent and to be in the place that Saint Francis and Saint Clare called home. What blessings we will share with those participating. Fr Paul Rout, OFM, Alison and I will lead the retreat. See all current information on our Homepage.
Franciscan Schools Australia is here to help you, so please contact us for any assistance you need. We would love you to share with us how you are living the Gospel within your Community and we also welcome any ideas you have to help us to assist others.
Enjoy this website and all it offers.
Lots of blessings to you.
Stephen ofm
Stephen Bliss ofm [National Executive Coordinator]
