The plants and flowers in Pietro Perugino's "The Crucifixion with the Virgin, St. John, St. Jerome and St. Mary Magdalene" convey a symbolic message. Perugino used red poppies, violets and a deep-pink mallow to symbolize death, humility and salvation, respectively. The painting is among those on display in "The Flowering of Florence: Botanical Art for the Medici" exhibit at the National Gallery of Art in Washington through May 27. (CNS photo courtesy National Gallery of Art)

Honoring St. Mary Magdalene

Melanie Rigney May 25, 2020

Though she was never known to waver in her support of Jesus, Mary Magdalene’s actions in Jesus’ final days best exemplify her commitment.

Books say Nicholas died in 342 A.D., but they don’t say when he became a saint. They also say that, while many miracles were performed, they were not recognized by the Catholic Church and he was dropped from the Roman liturgical calendar in 1969.

A Priest’s Prayer

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 25, 2020

I am not doing what I should in order to enter the gates of heaven. Could you send me a daily prayer? I need to change my life, but do not know where to begin.

Sharing the Word for May 25, 2020 – Seventh Week of Easter – Year 2

Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk May 25, 2020

Sometimes we put too much confidence in the strength of our faith. Yet Jesus strengthens our weakness, and keeps us in touch with the Father’s strength.

‘I Believe’ or ‘We Believe’ in the Nicene Creed?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 24, 2020

On Sundays and holy days of obligation, we recite the Nicene Creed. We begin by saying, “We believe in one God….” Although this is the first person plural, this prayer’s Latin text reads “Credo” (“I believe,” first person singular).

Why Fish on Friday?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 24, 2020

Why do Catholics eat fish on Friday? How did this tradition start? I have been told that at one time the Italian fishing industry was in a depression, so the pope made a law mandating eating fish once a week. Also, that it was a practical concern as meat that had been preserved was beginning to spoil and animals should not be slaughtered during the spring birthing season.

Sunday Soundbite for May 24, 2020

Greg Friedman, OFM May 24, 2020

As Jesus’ followers who remain “in the world”, we need support and affirmation to continue living out the word entrusted to us by Christ.

Franciscan Statement on the Immigration Ban

Guest Blogger May 23, 2020

The recent actions of President Donald J. Trump regarding the treatment of immigrants and refugees entering our country have been troubling to a wide ranging group of citizens across the United States.

Franciscan Inspirations: Eternal Life

Jim Van Vurst, OFM May 23, 2020

Without the Resurrection, there would be no Christianity. Jesus would be remembered as a wonderful man, even a prophet. But it is the Resurrection that is the ultimate proof that he is the Son of God.

Great Podcasts: Dolly Parton’s America

Christopher Heffron May 23, 2020

“You’ve paid a lot of money to come here tonight, ” Dolly Parton once said to an adoring London crowd, “and I want you to know that I appreciate it because I do need the money. You’d be amazed at how much money it can really take to make a person look so cheap. “