A New Approach to Parish Mergers

Susan Klemond March 25, 2022

Parish restructuring has become a reality for many US dioceses. While initially painful, the process can ultimately lead to healing and renewal.

A Revelation on Creation

Kenneth Davis, OFM Conv March 25, 2022

This friar offers a prayerful meditation on creation.

Annunciation of the Lord

Franciscan Media March 25

Some people consider the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord—instead of Christmas—since it is today that we celebrate the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.

Becoming Less, Being More

Herman Sutter March 19, 2022

The difference between our dreams and God’s plans can be seen in the story of Joseph of Nazareth. At one of the lowest points in Joseph’s life, God opened his eyes to a new dream.

Blessed Angela Salawa

Franciscan Media March 12

Blessed Angela Salawa was a maid for many years, eventually becoming a Secular Franciscan who instructed other young domestics in their faith.

Mary and Child Jesus with Saints Perpetua and Felicity

The Church faced persecutions early on in its history. Saints Perpetua and Felicity are two well-known names among the martyrs. While we don’t know much about them, we do have Saint Perpetua’s diary that gives a few facts about their last days.

Martha Served Again

Theresa Doyle-Nelson March 5, 2022

“They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served” (Jn 12:2a). I had always sort of assumed that Martha learned a lesson about letting go of housework after her complaint to Jesus about Mary not helping out (Lk 10:38-42).

What Ramadan Taught Me about Lent

Joe McHugh February 25, 2022

An Islamic tradition sheds light on our own season of repentance.

Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto

Franciscan Media February 20

Two young children who died early in life, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, gained the attention of the Church and the world when Mary appeared to them at Fatima. Without being martyred, they became witnesses and messengers of God’s goodness.

Revealing the Love of Jesus

Patricia Breen McNeil January 30, 2022

During World War II, Fr. Maximilian Kolbe was arrested and taken to Auschwitz. During his imprisonment, a prisoner escaped, and as a result, the commandant announced ten men would die. In cell block 11, there was no screaming–rather the prisoners sang and Fr. Kolbe prayed with them.