The Depths of the Carceri

Stephen Copeland August 25, 2026

Eremo delle Carceri is a hermitage upon Mount Subasio where Francis and his brothers spent extended periods in prayerful solitude.

shoes and feet next to word scripture set in stone.

Prophets and Mystics

Alicia von Stamwitz August 25, 2026

We’re all called to be prophets and mystics.

woman resting her head on her hand with a heavy heart.

Prayer for Heavy Hearts

Christopher Heffron August 24, 2026

How often do we fail to entrust the future to God? How quickly do we worry about what we cannot control?

A group of volunteers in solidarity embracing each other.

Solidarity Is Our Goal

Mark P. Shea August 24, 2026

Solidarity means we are all in this together, and none of us can say, “Your end of the Titanic is sinking.”

statue of Jesus as shepherd holding a staff and a lamb.

Good and Graceful Shepherd

Christopher Heffron August 21, 2026

Who hasn’t felt as if they are on the outside looking in? Who among us hasn’t felt dejected or neglected? May this prayer be your reminder today that you are loved no matter how far you’ve strayed.

group of people in a circle holding rosaries and praying

This Communion of Saints

Franciscan Media August 21, 2026

Life is change. But it is not antithetical to what came before, it is not a negation of that, or an elimination of it. In some ways, it might be a building upon it.

How Can a Mass Be Offered for a Single Person?

Pat McCloskey, OFM August 21, 2026

If every sacrifice of the Mass is offered for the Church, how can people request individual intentions?

man resting hand on Bible while sitting in a chair

Love Builds

Stephen Copeland August 20, 2026

From the depth of St. Francis’ relationship with God, he intuited a profound understanding of the human ego.

person in front of a open twenty four hours neon sign.

At St. Edmund’s Retreat on Enders Island, on Long Island Sound, the sea-facing Chapel of Our Lady of Assumption is open 24/7. How rare it is, in these current times, to find a church that provides constant refuge.

Why Two Judgments?

Pat McCloskey, OFM August 20, 2026

In parochial school, I learned that there is a particular judgment when a person dies and that there will also be a general judgment at the end of the world. Why?