Franciscan 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. And yet, when asked what she would say to her persecutors if she met them again, Josephine said she would thank them, because without them she would not have discovered her faith and her vocation.

Josephine’s World

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 ...

Hope & Humility: Our Weapons against COVID-19

Kyle Kramer July 2, 2020

Most of us want to believe that the world is fundamentally predictable and safe.

How Can Anyone Pray ‘Always’?

Richard Rohr, OFM June 11, 2020

Prayer is saying “yes” to the paschal mystery at work in all things.

Praying with the Saints: All Are Welcome

Melanie Rigney June 10, 2020

We love, Scripture says, because God first loved us (see 1 John 4:19). That’s also why praying is so vital—because God’s love melts our chill, sparks our desire, ignites our love.