About

Franciscan Connection started from a group of people that had been part of Junior Third Order (JTO) groups during their teen / early adult lives.  They dreamed of getting back together with the friends of their youth to re-connect and explore the many aspects of the Franciscan Way.  JTO Connect was formed.  In 2016, JTO Connect 2016 was held in Dayton, Oh at the Bergamo Center.

Each year since 2016, a different JTO Connect has been held with different themes all based around some aspect of the Franciscan Way.  JTO Connect has been held at The Spiritual Center of Maria Stein, Maria Stein, OH and Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Saint Meinrad, IN.  In 2020, due to the Covid pandemic, JTO Connect was held virtually.

Over the years, the people attending JTO Connect expanded beyond those that had been part of JTO group during their teen years.  They, like the former JTO members, were interested in exploring the Franciscan Way.  In 2021 the decision was made to change from a JTO connection to an all-inclusive Franciscan connection and therefore Franciscan Connection was created.