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.

Red, White, and Green Martyrs?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 23, 2020

In the book How the Irish Saved Civilization (Doubleday), Thomas Cahill talks about both green and white martyrdom. According to Cahill, Ireland was unique in that Christianity was introduced there without bloodshed (red martyrdom).

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. “

Franciscan Christmas in Austria

Marilyn and Paul Nejelski May 23, 2020

This is a country where the normal greeting is a smiling “Grüss Gott ” ( “God be with you “). The spirit of this greeting is lived out in the season celebrating the Incarnation of that goodness in Jesus Christ.