Photo courtesy of Regina Freedman
by Regina Freedman, M.S.Ed., ACC
Five years ago, I saw the burning of Notre Dame Cathedral as a symbol of what was to come. It meant destruction, but not a total one. It was an injury that created sorrow on the streets of Paris and around the world.
Let us all stop and pray to our Lord in heaven for protection from the upcoming storm.
Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for us!
by Theresa Cavicchio, OFS
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world … for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.” (Gal 6:14 – 17)
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.
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.
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).
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.
by Theresa Cavicchio
“[The Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness’ … Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:9 – 10).
Margalita Poletunow, LPC, LPCMH
There is something to be grateful for all the time. However, it is not human nature to feel thankful during difficult or painful situations. Therefore, how can a woman who has suffered a miscarriage or stillbirth find the will to be thankful while still grieving?
The Last Communion of St. Francis by Peter Paul Rubens
by Theresa Cavicchio, OFS
The feast of Saint Francis of Assisi (1182 – 1226 A.D.) is celebrated each year on October 4th, often with commemorations of his renowned devotion to all of God’s creation. Some of the faithful take beloved pets to receive a special blessing in his name. Others recall his care for the environment, a particularly timely topic dear to the heart of Pope Francis. Still others renew their attraction to his life of simplicity and poverty.
