Blessed Carlo Acutis: Brief but Shining, a Life of Virtue

                                           Carlo Acutis (1991-2006)

by Theresa Cavicchio, OFS

If the challenge of living a virtuous life appears an ever-mounting uphill climb, given the state of our world, we are not alone in the struggle. This overview suggests an intercessor who may appear unlikely at first but truly understands modern challenges to a good life.

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The Blessed Ulma Family: Ever Together, Here and Hereafter

The Ulma Family

by Theresa Cavicchio, OFS

March 24, 2024, marked the 80th anniversary of a tragic World War II event brought to the forefront of global attention only fairly recently: the execution of seventeen human beings, ranging in age from adult to barely born.

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Saint Joseph the Worker: Ever on the Job

by Theresa Cavicchio, OFS

As we celebrate the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, we recall his stellar qualities, such as prudence, trustworthiness, and integrity. In commemorating this particular feast, such traits typically would be applied to decades of labor in the carpentry workshop at Nazareth, at the home he shared with Jesus and Mary.

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Saint Joseph: A Loving Defender of Life

by Theresa Cavicchio, OFS

The few references in Sacred Scripture concerning Joseph of Nazareth reveal him as far more a man of action than of words. In fact, nowhere do we find direct quotes which would help us to discern the character of this most unique of men – one tasked with the most unique of responsibilities.

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A Three-fold Celebration: The Presentation of the Lord

by Theresa Cavicchio

“Now I am sending my messenger – he will prepare the way before me; And the Lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple; The messenger of the covenant whom you desire – see he is coming! Says the Lord of hosts” (Mal 3:1).

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A Centuries-old Christmas Present from Saint Francis of Assisi to the World

Chapel of the first live nativity in Greccio, Italy (Photo courtesty of Wikicommons Images , Fiat500e, CC BY 4.0 DEED)

by Theresa Cavicchio, OFS

For the many Franciscans around the world of the First, Second, and Third Orders – clerical, religious, and lay – the year 2023 inaugurated a series of important 8th-centenaries which will culminate in 2026. For our purposes, the timeliest of these has a deep spiritual significance as we approach Christmas this year.

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