Franciscans for Earth

As Catholic Sisters who follow the rule and life of St. Francis of Assisi, we believe all is sacred, good and interconnected. We believe creation is God’s continuing revelation and mystery unfolding in our world. We call ourselves Franciscans for Earth. We reject that which does harm to creation and our earth companions.

“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or secondary aspect of our Christian experience.” Pope Francis -Care for our Common Home

We challenge ourselves to ecological conversion and to being protectors of God’s creation.

We commit to the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help noble call of caring for creation by educating, collaborating and advocating for:

Simplicity of living
Grateful contemplation of God’s world
Concern for the needs of the poor
Protection of the environment

“It is our humble conviction that the divine and the human meet in the slightest detail in the seamless garment of God’s creation, in the last speck of dust of our planet.” – Pope Francis

In 1985 we purchased 40 scenic acres outside of St. Louis, Missouri, as a place of retreat and recreation for our Sisters. Those hallowed acres, which we called Franciscan Farm, taught us about integral ecology, the interconnectedness of all things.

The Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help have always been women on the move, ready to accept change and grow as the Spirit leads. In 2020, we discerned the necessity to part ways with this beautiful land. The tools and equipment were donated and distributed to organizations and programs doing ecological work. Resources from the sale further our mission and ministries. We continue to offer and grow Franciscans For Earth outreach and programming as we educate, advocate and collaborate on behalf of Laudato Si’ and the dignity of all of God’s creation. There are many ways to get involved: