Franciscan Spirit | Franciscan Media

7/16/19 7:00 AM

Finding Light in the Darkness

By Paula D'Arcy

Because my father was the parent who slept lightly, he was the one we awakened if we felt sick or troubled in the middle of the night. There was always a soft night light glowing by the radio in the kitchen, and I’d find my way to the kitchen table while my father set about making two cups of tea. As we waited for the water to boil he would open the back door and look out at the night sky.

7/15/19 7:00 AM

Pathways of Prayer

By Jack Wintz, OFM

You and I are sometimes like TV sets that are not properly tuned into a station. The news announcers are there talking. The station is sending out live signals. But if we have not turned on our sets, there will be no communication! This is often our problem with God. God is out there—as well as inside us—beaming forth love, goodness and inspiration. But it’s lost on us because we fail to pray, to tune in or open ourselves to God’s loving presence.

7/12/19 7:00 AM

Love Letters From God

By Daniel P. Horan, OFM

The Sacred Scriptures, on the other hand, are most fittingly likened to a honeycomb, for while in the simplicity of their language they seem dry, within they are filled with sweetness. —Hugh of St. Victor, Didascalicon

7/12/19 7:00 AM

Pope Francis on the Importance of Family

By Pope Francis

Whether you are young or old, married or single, engaged, widowed, or divorced, may Pope Francis’ words strengthen you, refresh you, and illuminate the pages of your own life story. Here are some suggestions he offers to do just that. All words below are from the pope.

7/12/19 7:00 AM

Family: Holiness in Its Place

By Diane M. Houdek

The life of God is not lived in a vacuum. We do not become Christians and then withdraw from relationships with others. Holiness is not something we find outside normal, everyday human activity. Any and all fruits of following Christ with Francis must show up primarily in those relationships which are fundamental: family life. Charity and prayer, penance, poverty, humility—all must have their first fruits in what we contribute to the atmosphere of our home.

7/11/19 7:00 AM

How to Rid the World of Evil

By Jack Wintz, OFM

Over the years I have heard both helpful and not-so-helpful ways of thinking and speaking about evil. On the helpful side: In 1974 I interviewed the late Father Henri Nouwen about the writings of Thomas Merton on nonviolence. Nouwen was a teacher at Yale Divinity School at the time and had written a book about Merton entitled Pray to Live.

7/9/19 7:00 AM

Saint Francis And the Taming of the Wolf

By Jack Wintz, OFM

The story of how Saint Francis of Assisi tamed the Wolf of Gubbio is one of the great legends linked with the life of the saint. I have never been too worried as to whether the story was historically true or not. I am more interested in seeing how the story fits into the pattern of biblical themes and of God’s plans for creation. In this well-known legend, Saint Francis goes to the Italian town of Gubbio, where a fierce wolf had been terrorizing the village and even killing some of the people, including children.

7/8/19 7:00 AM

Psalm 25: GPS for the Soul

By Christopher Heffron

1 To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul, 2 my God, in you I trust; do not let me be disgraced; do not let my enemies gloat over me. 3 No one is disgraced who waits for you, but only those who are treacherous without cause. 4 Make known to me your ways, LORD; teach me your paths. 5 Guide me by your fidelity and teach me, for you are my savior, for you I wait all the day long.

7/6/19 7:00 AM

Honoring St. Anthony Messenger

By Franciscan Media

Franciscan Media's flagship publication, St. Anthony Messenger, was honored this year with several prestigious awards from the Catholic Press Association. Below are the award winners.

7/6/19 7:00 AM

Mother Teresa on the Importance of Family

By Mother Teresa

Love begins at home, Mother Teresa insisted when she was alive. Home and family are the twin tutors in love, compassion, patience, and service. The following words, which all center on the importance of family, are from Mother Teresa herself, taken from the book Thirsting for God: Daily Meditations.