Dear Reader: Taking a Stand

Susan Hines-Brigger October 6, 2020

Throughout history—and still to this day—there are individuals who have been willing to speak out, challenge situations, and try to help make a change.

An anti-immigration wave is washing over America and much of the Western world. This wave often drowns out the sensible voices of our pope and bishops, who teach that we must create “a world where immigrants, refugees, migrants, and people on the move are treated with dignity, respect, welcome, and belonging. “

Be a Living Prayer: Tips from Saint Francis of Assisi

Daniel P. Horan, Phd October 6, 2020

With the guidance of Saint Francis of Assisi, you can learn to ground your life in prayer.

‘I Died with Him’

Karen Callaway (photos) | Joyce Duriga (text) October 6, 2020

In Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods, Deacon LeRoy Gill sows seeds of peace.

St. John the Baptist: Prophet, Preacher, Witness

Barbara Leonhard, OSF October 5, 2020

Is our faith, our spirit, a lively witness to others? Does our presence point others to Jesus—as St. John the Baptist did in his lifetime?

Notes from a Friar: Pope John Paul II and Suffering

Jim Van Vurst, OFM October 5, 2020

Throughout the last years of his papacy, Pope John Paul II relied on God to endure his failing health.

And a Child Shall Lead Us: An Advent Meditation

Susan Hines-Brigger October 5, 2020

This month as we celebrate the birth of Christ, perhaps we should take some time and rejoice in the joy and hope that a child can bring to us—and be open to what that child might teach us.

Blessing of Animals

Kevin E. Mackin, OFM October 5, 2020

The blessing of animals has become a yearly tradition in Franciscan circles. It celebrates all creatures as family members under God’s care.

Dear Reader: Saints in a Vacuum

Susan Hines-Brigger October 5, 2020

For most of us, when we think of saints, we view them as frozen in time. St. Francis will always be wandering the hills of Assisi, preaching the Gospel, and facing the challenges of the Church in his time.

Voter Suppression Is Civic Aggression

Christopher Heffron October 5, 2020

When I’m disillusioned by the rhetoric surrounding this year’s election, I focus on a quote from Father Theodore Hesburgh: “Voting is a civic sacrament.”