Walking the Way of Peace: A Reflection for Companions of the Society of Saint Francis

As Companions of the Society of Saint Francis, we are drawn into a life shaped by simplicity, humility, and peace. Though we may not take formal vows as members of the First or Third Orders, our commitment is no less profound. We walk alongside the Franciscan community, inspired by Saint Francis’ radical love for Christ and all creation. In our own lives—whether lived in cities, towns, or rural corners—we are called to embody the Gospel with joy and gentleness.

Saint Francis did not found an institution; he sparked a movement of hearts turned toward God through love and detachment from self. His was not a path of power or comfort, but of surrender, trust, and praise. As Companions, we carry this spirit with us, seeking ways to live it out in our own contexts. We may be teachers, caregivers, artists, clergy, or simply neighbors—but wherever we are, we are invited to let the fragrance of Franciscan peace rise from our lives.

This calling is especially important in a world often defined by anxiety, division, and noise. Francis offers us a counter-cultural witness: that peace is not the absence of struggle, but the deep presence of Christ within it. When he greeted others with “Pax et bonum”—”Peace and all good”—he wasn’t offering a pleasantry, but proclaiming the kingdom of God. How might we greet the world this way? How might our conversations, choices, and presence reflect that holy peace?

Companionship is not a passive state. It’s a steady “yes” to God’s work in and through us. We are companions not only of the Society, but of Christ Himself—following Him as He walked the dusty roads of Galilee and into the margins of society. We are also companions of the poor, the outcast, and the forgotten. In this way, we echo Francis’ embrace of the leper, his kinship with all creatures, and his joyful acceptance of Lady Poverty.

Our daily lives become sacred spaces where Franciscan values take root. The small, faithful acts of listening to a troubled friend, tending a garden, praying for peace, or choosing simplicity over excess—all these are moments of silent witness. Together, they form a tapestry of love that stretches far beyond what we can see.

Let us not underestimate the grace hidden in ordinary days. Let us remember that Francis was not famous in his time—he was simply faithful. And it was that faithfulness that ignited renewal. We too can be bearers of renewal, companions of hope in a world in need of it.

As we continue in our Franciscan journey, may we be ever more open to the Spirit’s movement, ever more rooted in Christ, and ever more radiant with peace and all good. And in the words of our beloved saint, “While we have time, let us do good.”

Pax et bonum.