I’m writing this article in the wake of another school shooting, this time in Wisconsin. On the morning after, I heard one young woman outside of Mass say to her mom, “I thought we were supposed to ‘Do what’s right and just.’” Her mom simply put an arm around her shoulders and continued walking to their car. I didn’t hear her response, but said a quick prayer that the mother would know what words would comfort her daughter and give her hope.
Saturday, we prayed as our Holy Father, Pope Francis, was laid to rest at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome. Pope Francis was so consistent with his message about the Gospel. His first Apostolic Letter – Evangelii Gaudium – The Joy of the Gospel was in line with the OFS Rule.
It is God who is rich in mercy, whom Jesus Christ has revealed to us as Father. “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity and sin” (Ex 34, 6-7).
The Centenary Task Force invites you to join them this Earth Day for a meditative reflection of The Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi.
We can probably agree that “the Church’s best kept secret” is not the most desirable nickname for the Secular Franciscan Order. As a regional vice minister, I was asked to initiate a “vocations ministry” a few years ago. This resulted in a handbook which referenced the national Vocations Toolkit along with best practices from around St. Elizabeth of Hungary region.
The resurrection is not Jesus’ life beginning over again, but a new way of being alive in which death and the powers of darkness have been conquered. The resurrection of Jesus will not leave us living in the same way. We shall find the Lord who is waiting for us.
“We once had a spiritual assistant who said it’s all about the personal invitation – holding the door open and inviting people in,” said Ellen Ferrone, OFS, minister of the Brothers and Sisters of St. Francis Region. “He stressed guiding them to a place where their spirit might grow,” said Ellen.
Let us acclaim Him, not only with Palm branches, but by honoring one another in charity.
The scribes and Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus into a choice between gentleness and righteousness, between mercy and justice.
Alexander Pope wrote, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” People, especially Franciscans, always hold on to hope, even in difficult times. It is part of human nature and a virtue. These lovely words speak the truth that it is God who plants hope in the human heart. ...