An initiative of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia
Mission Statement:
Canticle House invites spiritual seekers
to live together in community as sisters and brothers.
Conscious of the needs of our world,
trusting in the goodness of God,
and inspired by the lives
of Francis and Clare of Assisi,
we desire to grow in recognizing
each person and all creation
as unique expressions
of God’s present and evolving love.
Responding in the Spirit,
we intend to nurture hope,
celebrate diversity, and make choices for
the healing and well-being of our Earth
through the daily practice
of simple, authentic, relational, and
sustainable living.
Canticle House
Chester, Pennsylvania
Values:
Rooted in the Franciscan tradition, four core values energize the mission and vision of Canticle House. We approach these values as individual and communal practices that invite ongoing reflection, daily openness, and continuous conversion:
~nurturing life-giving and mutual relationships.
~offering hospitality and welcome.
~seeking environmental and social justice.
~living contemplatively, integrating reflection and action.
We believe the practice of these values encourages ever-deepening consciousness of the interconnectedness of everyone and everything, allows for greater participation in the fullness of life, and opens us to love as God loves.
The Canticle House residential community supports one another in living these values through mutually determined rhythms and types of shared meals, prayer, celebrations, and activities. Members work, study, or volunteer beyond the community and contribute to expenses through a monthly program fee that includes a private room, common spaces, shared food, and utilities.
Vision Statement:
As a Franciscan Intentional Community (FIC), Canticle House welcomes young adults and other seekers to engage creatively, holistically, and collaboratively in developing and deepening their understanding of what it means:
~to respond to the call of one’s personal spirituality.
~to offer one’s gifts, time, and dreams for the local and global good.
~to experience intercultural, intergenerational, and interdependent relationships.
~to participate in the transforming work of the Spirit in our world.
~to respect and celebrate all creation as a reflection of God.
