Fr. David Convertino, OFM
Executive Director of Development
Dear Friends of The Franciscan Way,
Isn’t February a weird month?
It’s planted between the New Year’s energy of January and the spiritual intensity of Lent. It doesn’t get much attention. It’s short in days, often cold, and feels unfinished. And yet, February may be one of the most important months of the year. It teaches us so much about God.
Usually nothing dramatic happens here. The days are still gray. There is only one holiday. The ground looks lifeless and dead. Growth is hidden. But beneath the surface, something is quietly preparing to emerge.
St. Francis understood this type of time very well.
Much of his life was not marked by great spectacular moments or public conversions, but by ordinary days filled walking, praying, listening, and waiting. Just like our everyday lives. And Francis trusted that God was just as present in the quiet and unseen moments as He was in the dramatic ones.
February invites us into that same trust.
It asks us to resist the urge to rush ahead or fix what feels unfinished. It reminds us that faith does not always feel productive or inspiring. Sometimes faith is simply staying, showing up, and believing that God is at work even when we cannot yet see the fruit. Here is where we have to trust and have patience with God.
In a world that demands constant and swift results with visible success, February whispers a different truth: trust God—growth takes time, and grace often works underground.
As we move through these February days, may we be gentle with ourselves and with one another. Hopefully we can honor the small acts of love, patience, and trust that rarely make headlines but can transform the human heart.
Remember friends, God is still working—right here, right now—even in February.
Many blessings,
Fr. David, OFM