Franciscan Spirit
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 to promote God’s love as the answer to the world’s troubles.
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 ...
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The Franciscan Saints: John Duns Scotus
Franciscan Theologian (ca. 1266–1308) John Duns, 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 in ...
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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 ...
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The Franciscan Saints: Agnes of Bohemia
Agnes of Bohemia was born in Prague, where her father was the king of Bohemia.
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The Franciscan Saints: Maximilian Kolbe
Franciscan Martyr (1894–1941) On July 30, 1941, a prisoner escaped from Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi camp in Poland. In retaliation, the commandant lined up inmates of cell block fourteen and ordered that ten of them be selected for death. When ...
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St. Kateri Tekakwitha: Princess of the Eucharist
For many years, American Catholics who wanted to follow in the footsteps of a saint had to travel to Europe. In Assisi, they could step where St. Francis did. In Ireland, they might walk the byways of St. Patrick.
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