Franciscan Spirit Blog

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Carlo Acutis and the Gift of Presence

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Often attributed to John Lennon, this quote from American journalist Allen Saunders speaks to me especially this week of April 21, 2025, as I write this piece...
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Prayers to Saint Anthony of Padua

It is a venerable Christian tradition to turn in prayer to Anthony of Padua—and to other saintly men and women already enjoying the glorious presence of God.
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Mother Teresa embraces a child

Fr. Gary Caster on Mother Teresa

Fr. Gary Caster will be the first to admit that his life has been touched by countless moments of grace. One memory in particular stands out.
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Man swimming in the ocean

Trusting the River: A Meditation on Fear

It can be agonizing to share what is deepest within you but then be met by apathy or rejection.
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Woman smiling | Photo by Parastoo Maleki on Unsplash

Who’s Your Neighbor?

Recently I was standing with my kids in the checkout line at the store when my son, Alex, fixed his eyes on a woman a few lines down, dressed in traditional Muslim attire.
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Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Sisterhood of Saints: Thérèse of Lisieux

When we think of Thérèse, we think of her “Little Way,” the practice of offering up even the most commonplace tasks to God’s glory. But the Little Way came no more easily to its originator than it does to us. She ...
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Sisterhood of Saints: Hildegard of Bingen

Surely you have heard of Hildegard, the medieval mystic, composer, author, poet, and playwright who, in October 2012, became the thirty-fifth Doctor of the Church—and the fourth female Doctor. 
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