Franciscan Spirit

Franciscan Inspirations: A Foundational Faith

Jim Van Vurst, OFM May 19, 2020

One of the beautiful characteristics of Jesus’ teachings is that his examples are easy to understand and down to earth.

Franciscan Inspirations: Jesus’ Special Friends

Jim Van Vurst, OFM May 18, 2020

The Gospels relate many people Jesus met and talked to during his three-year ministry.

woman drawing a heart in the sky at night

Franciscan Inspirations: ‘I Will Never Take Back My Love’

Jeremy Harrington, OFM May 18, 2020

“I will never take back my love,” is a message from God in Psalm 89. The words struck me as I was praying the Office of Readings. They are appropriate for Valentine’s Day and for reflection during Lent.

Franciscan Inspirations: Jesus and the Canaanite Woman

Jim Van Vurst, OFM May 18, 2020

Many people face a conundrum when reading the scene in Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus meets the Canaanite woman.

Richard Rohr on Sacred Violence

Richard Rohr, OFM May 18, 2020

Both René Girard and Gil Bailie have taught us that the most effective and common way to turn social hatred into social harmony is via a scapegoat.

Homeless Like Me

Alicia von Stamwitz May 17, 2020

She had taken me for a homeless woman, and she was afraid of homeless people like me.

Pray on the Way: A Pilgrimage Story

Barbara Beckwith May 17, 2020

I went through Italy last summer. Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs took our group to places associated with Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Pope John XXIII.