Animated short brings fresh view of St. Francis' story

Inspired and energized by the Franciscan Provincial Synod, the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe must now shine a light on Franciscan life and how it can help heal the wounds of our world. 

The Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe's vocations team will debut the first of three animated shorts in February at the Religious Education Congress in Los Angeles to bring new life to St. Francis's story. 

Through lively scenes, the production follows St. Francis’ path from childhood into adulthood, military service, imprisonment and transformation into a man who bore witness to Christ's love through presence and works. 

The movie's moral themes of love, service and transformation are woven throughout. 

The short represents Francis' life through the lens of captivating modern animation, giving an enduring visual for the youngest viewers. It closes with scenes invoke delight in a life of service and fraternity. 

This initiative is the first of several new Franciscan resources for religious education directors that will debut this year. A direct response to the Franciscan Provincial Synod’s call to “deepen our ongoing formation in the Franciscan charism, both for ourselves and with the larger Franciscan family,” the resources – available in English and Spanish – will assist educators as they shape a new generation of Franciscan leaders.  

Jorge Martins, national vocations office manager, and collaborator Danilo Vargas, video production manager of the national vocations office, created the animation. They consider the congress a key space for vocations to thrive. 

“It is where we connect with directors of religious education, support their work and grow our audience,” Jorge said. “The animation is a great way to plant seeds of faith.” 

Br. Basil Valente, OFM, is the executive director of the national vocation office. He describes the video as “a masterpiece for our Province and the Franciscan world.” 

"The animation quality and storytelling are reminiscent of the best works from Disney and Pixar,” he said. “It showcases Jorge and Danilo’s technical skills and deep understanding of the life of St. Francis." 

The RE Congress, the largest exhibition of its kind, was created to vitalize the Catholic faith around education. The four-day annual gathering draws participants globally through connections, liturgies and workshops. 

The vocation team's animated short fulfills the 2025 theme: Called to Compassion.  

The four-minute short, entitled “The Story of St. Francis of Assisi,” is the centerpiece of a program of educational material for directors of religious education. 

The crew developed movie ticket postcards that link to the animation and will bring branded pens and sunglasses to the congress. 

Br. Michael Johnson, OFM, is the province's Secretary of Formation and Studies. He has forwarded the work to the director of religious education at the parish where he serves and has high hopes for it. 

“This should be shared far and wide, through our communications and by each of us,” he said. “It is a creative and beautiful gift that makes Francis come alive for any age.”