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...
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, 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 ...
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 →
The Franciscan Saints: Agnes of Bohemia
Princess and Abbess (ca. 1203–1280) Agnes was born in Prague, where her father was the king of Bohemia. Despite the privileges of her station, she enjoyed no freedom to decide her own destiny. She was simply a commodity to be ...
Read More →
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 ...
Read More →
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.
Read More →
Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter
Includes Saint of the Day, Minute Meditations, and Pause + Pray.
