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. ...
A Jubilee Year is a particular year in the life of the Church to encourage the faithful to deepen their spiritual life, repenting their sins, and forgiving the sins of others—the full expression of the mercy of God. In a letter announcing the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Francis stated, “As pilgrims of hope, we must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.” ...
It’s the beginning of 2025, and we are in the Jubilee Year of Hope. “Pilgrims of hope” is the theme. We are people of hope – never despairing. That is great news, and it is worth sharing. ... Over the years, we have come to learn that the seeds we plant do not sprout immediately. We may not see results until months down the road, however we must sow seeds now to reap a harvest later. ...