MSI Press Blog

  October 4th marks the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi , a day of celebration, reflection, and deep gratitude for the life of the saint who saw all creation as kin. Known for his radical simplicity, love of nature, and unwavering compassion, St. Francis continues to inspire hearts across generations and traditions. Here in San Juan Bautista , the Franciscan legacy is alive and well. With an active Mission church and the nearby St. Francis Retreat Center , the town pulses with the rhythms of Franciscan spirituality—hospitality, humility, and reverence for the ordinary. At MSI Press , this feast day holds special meaning. Our editor is a Third Order Franciscan , and her work reflects the Franciscan call to uplift voices of healing, wisdom, and transformation. Today, we honor that mission with joy. And of course— don’t forget the animals! Across the world, churches and communities hold the beloved Blessing of the Animals , a tradition that celebrates the sacred bond between huma...

  Tonight, as the sun sets on October 3rd, Franciscans around the world gather in quiet reverence to mark the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi—the moment of his passing into eternal life in 1226. It is not a time of mourning, but of deep remembrance and recommitment to the values he embodied: humility, peace, kinship with creation, and radical love. For MSI Press, this threshold holds particular significance. Located in the historic town of San Juan Bautista , MSI Press is nestled within a landscape shaped by Franciscan legacy. The town itself was founded by Franciscan missionaries, and to this day, it remains home to an active Franciscan Mission and the beloved St. Francis Retreat Center , where seekers of all backgrounds come to rest, reflect, and renew. The rhythms of Franciscan spirituality—simplicity, hospitality, and contemplative presence—are woven into the very soil of this place. This evening is also deeply personal for MSI Press. Our editor is a Third Order Franci...