Why Was St. Francis So Devoted to Mary?

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 4, 2025

I have heard that St. Francis of Assisi was very devoted to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Why? Did Francis write about her?

person listening to nature with eyes closed.

Stillness and Bells

Maureen O'Brien October 3, 2025

Legend has it that, in 1226, the bells of St. Stephen in Assisi began to clang spontaneously as Francis took his final breath.

Divine Creativity

Franciscan Media October 3, 2025

Grace is constantly inviting us to enter into an awareness of this flow of divine creativity.

Can Second Cousins Marry?

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 3, 2025

A niece of my husband has become very close to one of her second cousins. They and some family members are questioning if they are too closely related to marry one another. Are they?

man standing on the mountain and looking into the distance

The Beauty of Bonaventure

Bruce Epperly October 2, 2025

St. Bonaventure experienced God’s love as revealed in the humility and suffering of Christ, whose cross enables us to experience God’s companionship and the power to change our lives.

The Artist’s Work

Colleen Arnold, MD October 2, 2025

Recently, I admired a gifted glassblower at work. Watching the bubble of hot glass transform reminded me of God’s description of himself as the potter and us as his clay (Jeremiah 18:6).

Is Christopher Still A Saint?

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 2, 2025

I have believed in St. Christopher and carried a medal of him for over 40 years. Now I have heard that the Catholic Church no longer considers him a saint. Is that true?

person praying with folded hands over their Bible.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Model for Prayer

Martin J.P. Gianotti October 1, 2025

Whenever we feel slothful in our prayer lives or hesitant to perform a small act of penance, have you ever seriously considered what the reward for those small acts of love will be in heaven?