Franciscan Saints

The saints lived lives marked by the promise of liberation that Jesus brings forth through his life, death, and resurrection.

Humility is the guardian and the ornament of all virtues. If the spiritual building does not rest upon it, it will fall to ruin, though it seems to be growing.

Imagine how different Western history and religion could have been if we had walked so tenderly and lovingly upon the earth, as Francis and Jesus did.

Francis had noticed that when he went begging, few people looked into his eyes. They seemed always to avoid eye contact, either from embarrassment or fear or contempt.

Love simply must expand, radiating its light and warmth in all directions. The happier we are, the more we want to tell others, to share our happiness with them.

Penance, poverty, humility and compassion were the values that forged Francis into a “cosmic brother,” one who was related to all creatures and to the elements of creation.