Frailty’s Hidden Blessings

Maureen O'Brien September 13, 2025

Where does frailty show up in your life; what loved ones come to mind? What about your own frailty?

I once read in a Catholic newspaper that suicide may not be a sin if a person is depressed or mentally ill or does not appreciate that what he or she is doing is wrong. What does the Catholic Church teach about this?

Statue of Saint Anthony and Christ child

Francis and Anthony: Brothers in Alms

Dominic V. Monti, OFM September 12, 2025

Anthony’s ascent to sainthood was even more meteoric than Francis’.

man putting his hands over his heart in gesture of gratefulness and thankfulness

All the Little Things

Christopher Heffron September 12, 2025

How often do you stop and count your blessings? In the busyness of our daily lives, it’s easy to forget them.

Finding a Saint's Feast Day

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 12, 2025

Last February, I realized that our parish did not celebrate the feast of St. Valentine. Does this mean that he may have been a true saint but, due to poor record-keeping, has been forgotten? Was he ever officially recognized as a saint?

open hands receiving a white dove, symbol of peace

Build Peace in the Spirit of Francis

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 11, 2025

Peace is a gift from God. Human actions that cooperate with God’s grace activate peace in the world.

hands stacked on top of each other as a sign of teamwork

Reclaiming Unity

Susan Hines-Brigger September 11, 2025

There are times in our lives when we are drawn together by tragedy. 9/11 was one of those events. Twenty-four years later, that unity seems to be gone. How do we reclaim it?

Church steeples with the sky in the background

Anger at the Church

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 11, 2025

Father Pat McCloskey, OFM, answers questions in his Ask a Franciscan column!

couple people with head lights shining into the darkness

Finding Light in the Dark

Daniel Imwalle September 10, 2025

It’s a tad ironic how easy it is to be grateful for the positive, joyful moments in life, and yet our faith calls us to be thankful for everything—even the most difficult situations. Yes, even in the death of a loved one, we “celebrate” a funeral Mass.