St. Francis and St. Clareby Theresa Cavicchio, OFS
The October 4th feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi (1182 – 1226 A.D.) offers an opportunity to reflect on some of those who supported him in his ministry. While numerous male followers flocked to join Francis’ Friars Minor, here we will consider some of the holy women who played significant roles in his story.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to explain to my children the meaning of the gospel reading for the day, Matthew 18:21. The gospel was the one where Peter asks the Lord how many times should we forgive our brother? 7 times? And the Lord responds, ‘not 7 times, 77 times.’ He continues to tell Peter and the disciples the story of the servant who begs his master to have pity on him when he is unable to pay his large debt.
In the past two weeks, legal moves by the abortion lobby are revealing the industry’s desperation to hang on to Medicaid funding that was stripped from abortion facilities in the One Big Beautiful Bill, but how successful will their efforts be?
Blessed Bartolo Longo (1841-1926)by Theresa Cavicchio
Sanctity can reveal itself in many ways, as evidenced by even a quick glance at the lives of the saints. The story of Blessed Bartolo Longo, who will be canonized on October 19th this year, is a case in point. It reveals not a straight path toward sainthood, but rather a circuitous route paved with inherently dangerous implications for the fate of his soul.
June 3
“Your example, even more than your words, will be an eloquent witness to the world.”
-Saint Madeline Sophie Barat
June 2
“For by doing what God demands of us with total surrender of our innermost being, we cause the divine life to become our own inner life. Entering into ourselves, we find God in our own selves.”
-St. Teresa Benedicta
June 1
“Do not waste the hour after Holy Communion, which provides you with so favorable an opportunity for acquainting Him with your interests. Realize that this time is very precious for the soul.”
-St. Teresa of Avila
May 31
“Whatever God gives and permits: temptations, being tried by people... or any sort of trouble, He gives and permits it for our good, either to cleanse us of our sins, or for our growth in perfection and grace.”
-St. Catherine of Siena
May 30
“One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.”
-St Joan of Arc
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