Franciscan Saints

St. Josephine Bakhita is represented in this statue by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz in this photo released by the Holy See Press Office Feb. 3, 2022. St. Bakhita, who was sold into slavery as a child, is the patron saint of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, which is marked on her Feb. 8 feast day. (CNS photo/courtesy Holy See Press Office)

St. Josephine Bakhita—A Model of Faith

Christopher Heffron January 22, 2018

Her kidnappers gave her the name Bakhita, meaning “fortunate. ” Her life in captivity wasn’t quite so. Born in Darfur in 1869, Josephine Bakhita was taken by Arab slave traders when she was 9.

How to Be an Instrument of Peace

Martin Pable, OFM Cap November 24, 2017

“May God smile on you and be merciful to you. May God turn his regard toward you and give you peace.” —St. Francis of Assisi

Solanus Casey’s Beatification Explained

Kelly Sundberg November 17, 2017

All around the United States, people will celebrate the life of this holy Capuchin friar in November.

Fiery Seraph Wings: A Meditation on St. Francis

Jack Wintz, OFM October 30, 2017

La Verna is the holy mountain of the Franciscan tradition. This wild and secluded height was given to Francis and his companions as a place for solitary prayer by a certain Count Orlando who had been inspired by Francis’ preaching ...