Franciscan Spirit
Mothers Unite!
I have an announcement to make: My kids are not perfect. They never have been; they never will be. They throw fits, argue with one another, cop attitudes, and don’t always listen very well. They’re kids. And I love them more than anything.
And here’s my second announcement: I’m not a perfect mom. In fact, I don’t know any mom who is. I lose my temper, feed my kids fast food more than I should, let them watch too much TV, and probably should scale back on their activities.
The Franciscan Saints: Pope John XXIII
Pope John XXIII, as Pope Francis said, “was a country priest, the priest who loves all the faithful, who knows how to care for the faithful, and this he did as a bishop, and as a nuncio.”
Read More →
The Franciscan Saints: Padre Pio
Capuchin Friar, Mystic (1887–1968) Padre Pio, a Capuchin friar of peasant background, spent virtually his entire life in a monastery in southern Italy. In most respects he was indistinguishable from his fellow friars. But for some mysterious purpose, Padre Pio ...
Read More →
The Franciscan Saints: Solanus Casey
Capuchin Friar (1870–1957) Solanus Casey, the son of Irish immigrants in Wisconsin, felt called to the priesthood after witnessing a drunken sailor stabbing a woman. Somehow, this scene of sin and suffering caused Casey to dedicate himself to God and ...
Read More →
The Franciscan Saints: Marianne Cope
Third Order Regular, Servant of the Lepers (1838–1918) Barbara Koob, who was born in Germany, immigrated with her family to the United States when she was less than two years old. At the port of entry, the family name became ...
Read More →
The Franciscan Saints: John Duns Scotus
Franciscan Theologian (ca. 1266–1308) John Duns Scotus, later known as the Subtle Doctor, was called Scotus on account of his birth in Scotland. He entered the Franciscans at the age of fifteen and was later ordained a priest. After studies ...
Read More →
The Franciscan Saints: Jacopone Benedetti
Franciscan Poet (1230–1306) Jacopone Benedetti was a prosperous lawyer in the Umbrian town of Todi. His life took a tragic turn one day when his young wife was killed in an accident. This terrible loss was compounded by the belated ...
Read More →
Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter
Includes Saint of the Day, Minute Meditations, and Pause + Pray.