The Fraternal Economy

Is it possible to develop an economic model that is fairer, less aggressive, more sensitive to the needs of the poor, while producing good wealth for those who want to pursue good business practices in the world today? The answer is yes.

For more than a century, Catholic social teaching has been challenging economists and theologians to work together to provide the tools needed to build a more virtuous economy.

This is an idea that has captured the imagination of Franciscans since the early days of the Franciscan movement, in the works of Franciscan writers like Peter of John Olivi and Luca Pacioli.

There has been a revival of this scholarship in the works of Franciscans like David Flood, O.F.M., Michael Cusato, O.F.M., David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., Martin Carbajo Nuñez, O.F.M., and Dr. Roderic Hewlett, O.F.S.

The Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University now wants to assemble that material and make it available to a wide audience. This website will offer the public an opportunity to read the research that is developing on the fraternal economy.

Our first highlighted work is The Virtuous Economy workbook, which is a companion piece to The Virtuous Economy: Reforms in the Franciscan Tradition, by Dr. Roderic Hewlett, O.F.S.

What is the Virtuous Economy?

The Virtuous Economy is a response to the urgent call for a “third way” in economics—beyond capitalism’s excesses and socialism’s inefficiencies. This model draws from eight centuries of Franciscan economic practice and offers seven key themes to build a market economy that is just, sustainable, and human-centered.

The Virtuous Economy: Reforms in the Franciscan Tradition (2022) outlines how our modern economy can be renewed by returning to time-tested principles of fraternity, justice, and stewardship. It examines economic challenges like debt, inequality, and environmental degradation through the lens of Franciscan spirituality and modern Catholic social thought.

About the Workbook

Three years after the publication of the book, we are proud to offer the Virtuous Economy Workbook (2025). This free, practical resource was developed by Dr. Hewlett to help individuals, study groups, and organizations adopt Franciscan-informed economic habits and practices in daily life.

Available at no cost to all registered users.

Register and download your copy of the workbook today!

Why this matters

In a world facing ecological crisis, social unrest, and growing economic disparity, the Virtuous Economy offers a renewed model that affirms human dignity, moral markets, and global solidarity. Now is the time to reimagine our economy with hope, tradition, and action.

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About the Author
Dr. Roderic Hewlett, OFS, DA, MA

Dr. Hewlett earned his Doctor of Arts and Master of Arts in Economics from Middle Tennessee State University and his Bachelor of Science in Business/Economics from Cameron University. He also completed leadership, finance, and applied economics training through various professional and military organizations.

A veteran of the U.S. Army and National Guard, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2002 after serving in Field Artillery and Special Operations Command, including a nine-month active duty deployment in support of operations in Bosnia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

He has taught in the U.S., China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, and integrates faith, society, and economic choice in his academic and professional publications. He is a convert to the Catholic faith and a Secular Franciscan and member of the Saint Clare Fraternity in Omaha, Nebraska.

This website is overseen by Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., Director of the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University and author of The Fraternal Economy: A Pastoral Psychology of Franciscan Economics, and Dr. Roderic Hewlett, O.F.S., an economist and Secular Franciscan and author of The Virtuous Economy: Reforms in the Franciscan Tradition.

This initiative is hosted by the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure University. Join us in exploring and promoting a more ethical and sustainable future.

Fr. David Couturier, O.F.M. Cap.

Executive Director

Franciscan Institute & Franciscan Institute Publications

(716) 375-2160

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Heidi K. Strauss

Business Operations Manager

Franciscan Institute & Franciscan Institute Publications

(716) 375-2062

Send an email

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