Fr. Charlie Smiech is a celebrated international retreat director and spiritual advisor. A Franciscan friar, he has traveled throughout the world offering the best in Catholic teaching and Franciscan spirituality. Now, Fr. Smiech will help you explore the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi in this rewarding audio retreat. As you listen, you will learn how St. Francis lived the Gospel and receive guidance for your own spiritual pilgrimage.

Growing up in the merchant class of medieval Italy, Francis enjoyed a life of luxury, but he slowly became aware of another calling - the call from God. After his astounding conversion, Christ appeared to Francis in the Church of San Damiano and instructed him to “repair my house.” 

This command to repair God’s church is as pertinent today as ever as we face the modern challenges of poverty, war, and corruption. In this 12-conference retreat, you will look at St. Francis as a guide for modern spiritual life. By examining his personal conversion and his life of poverty, you will discover a model for your own faith journey. 

In this retreat, you will encounter St. Francis’s great love for the Church in spite of all its imperfections. You will be inspired by his generous response in becoming God’s “instrument of reconciliation” and by his devotion to living Gospel truths. 

Take St. Francis as your spiritual guide today. 

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.