Franciscan Spirit

Radical Saints: Jacinta Marto

Melanie Rigney July 9, 2020

Born March 11, 1910, in Portugal | Died February 20, 1920, in Portugal
Canonized May 13, 2017 | Feast Day: February 20

Jacinta’s Radical Gift

Having seen a vision of hell, St. Jacinta offered up lunches, persecution by those who doubted the children of Fátima, and other penances to keep others from suffering.

Jacinta’s World

Radical Saints: Katharine Drexel

Melanie Rigney July 9, 2020

St. Katharine Drexel was raised in a loving family that had plenty of money and philanthropic spirit.

Radical Saints: Josephine Bakhita

Melanie Rigney July 9, 2020

Born about 1869 in Sudan | Died February 8, 1947, in Italy Canonized October 1, 2000 | Feast Day: February 8 Josephine Bakhita’s Radical Gift Slave traders took away her name and her family. She was kidnapped, beaten, and scarred. ...

Radical Saints: Maria Faustina Kowalska

Melanie Rigney July 9, 2020

It’s human nature to desire to be well liked and understood. Many of those around Maria Faustina Kowalska, including some of the women in her own community, saw her single-minded drive to bring the Lord’s Divine Mercy message to the ...

White Savior: A Look at Race and Religion

Christopher Heffron July 6, 2020

Though keeping ourselves informed on the racial divide is important, sometimes we can find information and inspiration along the pop-culture landscape.

Vision for a New Community

Patrick Carolan July 4, 2020

On July 5, 1852, Fredrick Douglas, in addressing an anti-slavery conference in New York, said: “At a time like this, scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed. O! had I the ability, and could I reach the nation’s ear, I ...