St. John the Baptist Secular Franciscan Fraternity holds essay contest for high school and college students

The St. John the Baptist Secular Franciscan Fraternity of Corpus Christi Parish in Waterville is sponsoring a writing contest intended to enkindle the life and works of St. Francis of Assisi in the hearts of young people.

Catholic high school and college students in Maine are invited to read St. Francis’s “Canticle of the Sun” and, in 300-500 words, reflect upon how the poem reflects St. Francis’ relationship with creation and how the beauty of creation brings them closer to God.

“As Secular Franciscans, we honor Mother Earth as we care for creation,” said Dan Spofford, OFS, District 3 Councilor for the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Region of the Secular Franciscan Order. “One of our fraternity apostolates is to share our charism with youth. We desire to inflame the hearts of our high school and college students with the heart of St. Francis of Assisi’s message to all the faithful. We pray for a world where there is hope and caring for all of God’s gifts.”  

Essays should be submitted in Word format via email to [email protected] by December 16, 2023. Entrants should include their name, phone number, email address, and school at the end of the essay.

“We joyfully await the thoughts that young Catholics will provide in their reflections,” said Spofford.

Entries will be judged by fraternity members. One high school and one college winner will be announced in January. The winners will each receive a copy of The Word of Fire Bible – The Gospels, as well as a $50 prize. Additionally, one winner’s entry will be submitted for inclusion in Tau-USA, the National Secular Franciscan publication.