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Born in Germany, Saint Marianne Cope’s family soon moved to Utica, NY. In 1862 she entered the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis where she served as superior for a number of years.
We need the Franciscan vision of all creation singing praises to the Creator if we are to flourish in the years and centuries to come.
One way the Franciscan tradition should shape or influence our lives is to remind us that our relationship with God is no different than other relationships. It takes communication, time, effort, attention, and love.
In art, Saint Sebastian is often depicted as standing near or strapped to a pole riddled with arrows. Indeed, he was executed by archers, but didn’t actually die. Later he was beaten to death with clubs. Little else is known about this third century martyr.
Be careful of birds landing on your head. That happened to Saint Fabian, and it was taken as a sign that he should be elected pope. So he was. And he served for 14 years until he was martyred in 250.
Like many people, Saint Charles of Sezze thought he knew what God wanted, only to find out that he was mistaken. Instead of going to India as a missionary, Saint Charles settled in Rome where he cooked and cared for the friary and friary chapel. While being simple, Saint Charles was no simpleton as is obvious from his life story.
She was a big deal—until she wasn’t. Joan of Arc (about 1412-1431) heard voices of saints from an early age. Eventually Joan was burned at the stake as a witch and heretic.
Saint Francis considered Saints Berard and his companions as true Friars Minor because they were willing to lay their lives on the line for the faith. Such heroic virtue inspired Saint Anthony to join the Franciscans.
Born into an affluent Hindu family in 1712, Devasahayam Pillai converted to Christianity and was martyred for his chosen faith in 1752. At his 2012 beatification Pillai became the first Indian layman not connected to any religious institute to be beatified. Ten years later he was canonized by Pope Francis.
Saint Gregory Nazianzen paid a huge price for his faith. In conflict with the Emperor Valens, who defended the Arians, Saint Gregory worked hard to defend the Catholic faith.
