Franciscan Spirit

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 Cope. In 1862, Barbara entered the Third Order Regular of Franciscans and received her religious name, Sr. Marianne.

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Graphic that says "Blessed John Duns Scotus PRAY FOR US"

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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Cars driving on the highway in the desert

Following Jesus through Life’s Traffic Jams

I was driving home from Myrtle Beach with my sisters and we came across a heavy load of traffic just as we were passing through the Smokey Mountains.
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