Franciscan Spirit

Images of Blessed Carlo Acutis and the Eucharist are seen outside the building of the Friends of Carlo Acutis association in Assisi, Italy, in this Oct. 9, 2020, file photo. The U.S. bishops have chosen Blessed Acutis as the patron of the first year of a three-year National Eucharistic Revival. The Italian teen had a great love of the Eucharist and used his technology skills to build an online database of eucharistic miracles around the world. (CNS photo/Junno Arocho Esteves)

Carlo Acutis: A True Original

Christopher Heffron October 25, 2023

When I think of Carlo Acutis, I think about how he, too, was rooted in where he was. He wasn’t particularly well-traveled. But his faith is marveled the world over. I love that about him.

tree and sunset | Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash

Three Minutes with God: Meditations on Hope

Monsignor Frank Bognanno October 18, 2023

Will what I do during my lifetime make any difference? Maybe in the present, but what about years from now?

Seeking Balance in a Crisis

Kyle Kramer October 13, 2023

When Scripture encourages us to “fear not,” God isn’t promising to keep us safe, just to stay with us.

Statue of St. Francis | Photo by Ryan Klaus

Beginning Again with St. Francis

Jovian Weigel, OFM October 6, 2023

Conversion is the ongoing process of learning to live the gospel way of life given to us by Jesus and revealed to us by Francis and Clare.

Becoming Radically Open

Casey Cole, OFM September 22, 2023

If I’ve learned anything as a friar, it is that being a Christian means leaving behind everything and being totally fine with accepting whatever God gives me—big or small, happy or painful.

Holy Mary: Model of Patience

Murray Bodo, OFM September 12, 2023

“Be it done to me according to your word.” So it was for Mary, so it can be for us who wait in silent prayer seemingly unable to do anything to change our circumstances.