
St. Francis and His Artisans of Peace
The peace that Francis showed with birds, wolves, lambs, larks, and worms reminded his contemporaries that Adam and Eve lived in total harmony with all creatures before they were sent from the Garden of Eden.
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The peace that Francis showed with birds, wolves, lambs, larks, and worms reminded his contemporaries that Adam and Eve lived in total harmony with all creatures before they were sent from the Garden of Eden.

When she was declared a saint, did Mother Teresa strut around heaven and rub it in that she has been officially recognized whereas most of the other souls there have not? Unlikely. We formally recognize saints not for their benefit, but for ours.

Katharine Drexel’s story is rich, overflowing and, quite frankly, mind-boggling. Her story goes far beyond the millions of dollars she invested in establishing and supporting 65 schools, churches and centers in 21 states through her religious order, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

God touched the lives of John XXIII and John Paul II.

Over 40 years ago, a gentle Franciscan high school teacher penned a seminal book about Saint Francis. It wasn’t a biography or a treatise on the little Poor Man of Assisi but a romantic, imaginative work that presents the saint from the inside out.

It was not until the year 2002 that I discovered the very first book ever written about Saint Anthony, the contemplative.

I know that some Carmelites are referred to as “discalced,” meaning that they don’t wear shoes. Is this some form of mortification?

What steps does the Church follow in recognizing saints? How do Servants of God and Venerables differ?

Was Joan of Arc inspired? Was she mentally ill? Does her example of armed resistance have anything to say to Americans mired in unrest?

In recent years the Holy Father has led the Way of the Cross during Holy Week at the Colosseum in Rome. This annual custom would have pleased the great Franciscan preacher Leonard of Port Maurice.