Inspiration

St. Josephine Bakhita is represented in this statue by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz in this photo released by the Holy See Press Office Feb. 3, 2022. St. Bakhita, who was sold into slavery as a child, is the patron saint of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, which is marked on her Feb. 8 feast day. (CNS photo/courtesy Holy See Press Office)

St. Josephine Bakhita—A Model of Faith

Christopher Heffron January 22, 2018

Her kidnappers gave her the name Bakhita, meaning “fortunate. ” Her life in captivity wasn’t quite so. Born in Darfur in 1869, Josephine Bakhita was taken by Arab slave traders when she was 9.

Jesus and the moth

Notes from a Friar: Jesus and the Moth

Jim Van Vurst, OFM August 23, 2017

Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of Matthew’s Gospel contain Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. These chapters contain about 101 verses and are considered a basic summary of Jesus’ teaching for anyone wishing to become his disciple.

Saint John Vianney

John Vianney: The Saint Who Could Read Souls

Greg Heffernan August 4, 2017

John Vianney, a beloved saint, the patron of parish priests and confessors, has a lot to teach believers the world over.

St. Anthony of Padua statue

The Words of Saint Anthony Live On

Jack Wintz, OFM June 12, 2017

Near the end of his life, Saint Anthony of Padua composed a collection of sermons or “sermon notes.”

Stained glass window of St. Rita of Cascia

St. Rita of Cascia, Peacemaker

Rita E. Piro April 19, 2017

She shows what the Lord accomplishes when he finds humble hearts open to his love.

people walking on the street | Photo by Timon Studler on Unsplash

Franciscan Inspirations: Communion of Saints

Jeremy Harrington, OFM October 27, 2015

A friar writes a love letter to our Communion of Saints.

Statue of St. Teresa of Avila

Saint Teresa of Avila: Mystic and Multitasker

Patricia Morrison March 6, 2015

Saint Teresa of Avila, a Doctor of the Church and foundress of the Discalced Carmelites, was a woman of contemplation and action.