On a special edition of Connecting the Diocese, host Clint Berge speaks with Bishop Emeritus William Callahan, Father Conrad Targonski, and Sister Sarah Hennessey about how St. Francis of Assisi shaped their vocations and key Franciscan themes: living the Gospel, mission, the San Damiano Cross, the Canticle of the Creatures (its 800th anniversary), providence, joy amid suffering, simplicity, poverty, and being instruments of peace. They discuss Franciscan service at Viterbo University, care for creation in light of Laudato si’, the complementary vocations of priests, sisters, and secular Franciscans, and St. Clare’s pivotal role, courage, and influence on the movement. The episode closes with a blessing and a separate studio reflection on the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time readings, highlighting Solomon’s request for wisdom, Romans on providence, and Matthew’s parables of the treasure and pearl of great price, emphasizing desire and God’s love.

00:59 Callahan Franciscan Roots

04:34 Conrad Polish Vocation

07:04 Sarah Conversion Story

08:18 Gospel as Franciscan Rule

10:40 San Damiano Cross

13:27 Canticle of Creatures

16:41 Creation and Laudato Si

18:01 Viterbo Service Charism

19:11 Prayer for Peace Today

21:42 Joy and Lady Poverty

23:37 Family and Community Joy

29:03 Beauty and Secular Franciscans

30:32 Marine Story Setup

30:52 Franciscan Among Marines

31:50 Clare and Francis Bond

34:49 Clare Chooses Poverty

36:20 Keeping Original Fervor

38:08 Discernment and Renunciation

40:57 Wolf of Gubbio Story

43:15 Drawn or Driven

44:13 Franciscan Vocations Unite

46:57 Final Blessing and Farewell

48:20 Sunday Readings Overview

49:24 Wisdom and Kingdom Parables

51:24 Desire and the Pearl

53:06 God Desires Us First

54:56 Letting God Love You

57:10 Testimonies of Divine Love

58:28 Oscar Wilde Finds Treasure

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