Conventual Friar Michael Lasky: Triduum Through the Eyes of Saint Francis

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity walked with Conventual Friar Michael Lasky Province of Our Lady of the Angels, on Palm Sunday weekend 2026. This came about because Sister Kathleen Murphy, Sister Elena Gonzales and Sister Joellen Kohlmann are enrolled in a “In the Footsteps of Francis and Clare” virtual course by the Faculty of St. Bonaventura at the Seraphicum of which he is one of the professors.  Highly recommended, Friar Michael received an invitation through Sister Carol Ann Gambsky to share on the Triduum Through the Eyes of Saint Francis at the Franciscan Center. He also willingly agreed to preside at the Sunday Motherhouse Liturgy.

Sister Carol Ann commented on the presentation: “There is so much to unpack. The visuals provided to explain the art of the Basilica of Saint Francis were a feast for our eyes. Thank you Friar Michael for your inspiring words you gave to feed our minds and bodies, heart and soul. You have helped us to consider the Triduum through the eyes of Saint Francis. May we go toward Triduum 2026 as wayfarers with the “curiosity of a monkey”. Thank you for reminding us that “A mystic is someone who cannot stop walking and finding God.” Thank you for affirming us that we ARE mystics and we are called to “put out into the deep and cast our cares unto the Lord”. May we live our lives as wayfarers who share, care and listen.”

Sister Kathleen adds: “Friar Michael’s sensitivity to the details found in the artwork of the Basilica of St. Francis and is ability ot shed light on deeper meanings for these intricacies gives me much food for thought. I also appreciate his way of stopping along his wayfarer’s journey to share mystical reflections with us who travel with him. Blessings, Friar Michael as you share the wealth of the Poor Little Man of Assisi.”

Although teaching is one of Friar Michael’s impressive talents and favorite things to do, he is involved in so much more. Based currently in Rome, he serves as the General Delegate for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation for the Conventual Franciscan Friars. His ministry brings him into close collaboration with friars around the world, supporting grassroots social justice efforts and offering formation rooted in Franciscan spirituality. In 2024, he joined the Advisory Council of Pax Christi International’s Catholic Institute for Nonviolence.

Since 2022, he has co-directed Franciscan Social Theatre initiatives that began in response to the war in the Ukraine and now support healing programs for children and families in Ukraine, Poland and Syria. 

Inspired by Laudato Si, Friar Michael founded Little Portion Farm in Maryland in 2019, which has since provided more than 100,000 pounds of organic produce to families in Baltimore. His past ministries include teaching, campus ministry at several universities, parish service and international advocacy through Franciscans International at the United Nations. He also serves on the board of the Franciscan Action Network and directs FranciscanVoice.org.

It is evident that through all his related and diverse ministries, Friar Michael embodies a Franciscan commitment to peace, justice and the care of creation. He encouraged us to walk the coming holy days with radical simplicity and profound reverence living our common charism.

Franciscan Resource Alert

Friar Michael shares Wayfarers in Assisi – Step into the Lower Basilica of St. Francis and experience the mystical Franciscan journey through art, Scripture, and spiritual joy. (Available in Italian & English) See other resources sharing the Franciscan spirit at FranciscanVoice.org on the Resources page. The Shell is also a free app available in the Apple Store and Google Play Store.