Franciscan Spirit

Sisterhood of Saints: Bernadette Soubirous

Melanie Rigney October 22, 2018

We all know the story of how Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, a simple girl of fourteen, at Lourdes. But what sometimes gets lost in the story is Bernadette’s strong faith. Her statements were challenged over and over again by Church officials and local authorities who attempted to catch her in lies and contradictions.

Sisterhood of Saints: Katharine Drexel

Melanie Rigney October 21, 2018

St. Katharine Drexel was socially conscious, donating large amounts of money to help the less fortunate.

Sisterhood of Saints: Clare of Assisi

Melanie Rigney October 20, 2018

Louise de Marillac and Vincent de Paul. Paula and Jerome. Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. It’s not unusual for women saints to have had non-romantic ministry. Much like Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi.

Sisterhood of Saints: Frances Xavier Cabrini

Melanie Rigney October 17, 2018

Even as a child, Frances Xavier Cabrini knew she was made to be a missionary; she loved crafting little paper boats and sending them off to sail with “missionary” flowers aboard.

Sisterhood of Saints: Elizabeth Ann Seton

Melanie Rigney October 15, 2018

Elizabeth Ann Seton and her husband had a busy, beautiful life together in Lower Manhattan. They cohosted a party for George Washington’s sixty-fifth birthday. They lived next door to Alexander Hamilton. They were stalwarts of the Episcopal church, and set ...

Franciscan Inspirations: We Are Children of God

Jim Van Vurst, OFM October 9, 2018

We are here because of our unique history. And change, no matter how remote, alters everything. If our parents had not come together, we would not be.