Catholic Saints

hand holding a pink ribbon

Caring Heals

Why not call or write a sick friend or relative? Caring heals.

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statue of the crucified Christ

Vision of the Crucified Christ

The two questions from the prayer of Francis overheard by Brother Leo are, I believe, one of the simplest ways to approach God. We open ourselves and allow God to answer that first question, Who are you, my God? Reflecting on the ...
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man praying at dusk

As St. Francis Lay Dying

Francis knew he was dying. A doctor friend from Arezzo had come to visit him and told him that with God’s grace, all would be well.
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Lady Jacoba and the Spirituality of Presence

Lady Jacoba and the Spirituality of Presence 

What do cookies have to do with Franciscan spirituality? When St. Francis was on his deathbed, a seemingly simple treat brought by his good friend Lady Jacoba lifted his spirits and soothed his suffering.
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hands folded over a Bible holding a cross

Hold Fast to Christ

Love God and do as you will, says St. Augustine, for love is its own commandment.
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hands folded in prayer

Praying at the Tomb of Padre Pio

Everyone who goes down to the crypt and kneels in front of the tomb feels that something under that massive granite is still moving.
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A young football player, kneeling in prayer before the game.

Quiet Your Anxieties

Francis was “centered” long before that term became popular among spiritual writers. His values became more and more aligned with God’s, but Francis did not use that as a reason to become self-righteous. That is a temptation many of his ...
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