Dear John, I came to Franciscan Media from a company that was different in just about every way: consumed by money and the status it can buy; in thrall to the “hustler” mentality that defines so many 21st-century businesses; promoting a culture that urged everyone from the executives on down to “chase that paper.” Hi, I’m Kelly Sundberg, the director of new product development here at Franciscan Media. A few weeks ago, I had coffee with a former colleague from that company, and in the course of catching up, she asked me to tell her about Franciscan Media—specifically, what it meant to be “Franciscan.” I launched into the tale of St. Francis—the wartime trauma, the messages from God, the renouncing of familial wealth, the founding of the order. As I eagerly described Francis’ vision of a loving brotherhood devoted to poverty, to environmental stewardship, to caring for those on the fringes of society, I felt once more what I have felt many times over my five years with Franciscan Media: This is a worldview that is so, so needed right now. Has there ever been a period in history (other than perhaps his own time) when the perspective of St. Francis has been more relevant? At Franciscan Media, we share that perspective with the world through our print and digital publications, reminding our readers that there is an alternative to a world obsessed with self, money, status, and consumption. In my position, I’m proud to say that I play a small role in helping to realize our vision of a loving world that embraces the Franciscan spirit of harmony, joy, and simplicity. What a joy to be able to share that with others! Today, I invite you to join me in this mission. Franciscan Media needs your support to continue our work. We need to raise $80,000 by the end of October in order to continue developing new products that help build a loving world. The beauty of living and acting in the spirit of St. Francis is that you can do it all the time, without stress or concern for how you look to others. All you have to do is think of the Poor Man of Assisi and his joyful embrace of Jesus’ teachings, and think, “What can I do, right in this moment, to increase the amount of love in the world?” |
