Inspiration

St. Juan Diego

Opening Our Ears to Our Lady 

Stretching from all saints’ day to the commencement of the Christmas season, this time of year brings a plethora of inspiration to our lives, even spilling over a bit in its excess like a Thanksgiving cornucopia.

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A tapestry depicting St. Carlo Acutis hangs from the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica during the Mass for his canonization at the Vatican Sept. 7, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

Monastery where Carlo Acutis received first Communion in ruins after fire

A 17th-century monastery in northern Italy where recently canonized St. Carlo Acutis received his first Communion was in ruins after a massive fire ravaged the historic building.
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Joy illustration

Finding True Joy 

Many of us feel overwhelmed by work, family responsibilities, finances, and a crammed calendar. A young mom, a retiree, and a religious sister share ways to experience Franciscan joy and simplicity amid the busyness of modern life. 
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Autumn illustration

Autumn’s Mini Holy Season 

Consider observing this ancient holy season to renew and enrich your spiritual life this autumn. 
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Plants of Clare

Whispers of Prayer from St. Clare 

I’ve always been fascinated by how St. Clare drew so close to God in prayer while living most of her life entirely within the enclosure of San Damiano.
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longhurst-otp

The Holy Ordinary

Thomas Merton once wrote, “Let us come alive to the splendor that is all around us and see the beauty in ordinary things.” The busyness of life—work, family, commitments, and our seeming ever-lengthening to-do lists—can sweep us into a lifestyle ...
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carney-otp-video

Video: Learning to Love Who Jesus Loves

Margaret Carney, OSF: “I have a cousin who belongs to a Methodist congregation that’s doing a lot of work in this area [peace building] that we were talking about—and how they have dealt with the various exclusions churches are experiencing: ...
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